Parents of children with special needs will be provided with a "road map" to help chart their child's development and to help outline their entitlements to education, under guidelines published today.
Minister for Education Mary Hanafin today launched the National Council for Special Education (NSCE) guidelines for Individual Education Plans (IEPs).
Tom Murray, NCSE chairperson
The guidelines will provide a checklist of essential elements needed for each child's education plan. The NCSE believes this will provide a "template for best practice" and will ensure that "no child is left behind".
Tom Murray, NCSE chairperson, said the guidelines will provide an important resource for parents and teachers.
"The launch of the IEP guidelines is another important step in responding to the needs of children, parents, teachers and schools," he said.
"These guidelines build on the good work already being done in schools all over Ireland, to ensure that those with special educational needs can achieve not only the same outcomes, but also have access to the same kinds of opportunities as everyone else."
"As a parent of a child with special needs, these guidelines will further inform me as to what actions I can take at home with my child to provide her with the best possible opportunities to develop both educationally and socially."
Pat Curtin, NCSE chief executive, said the publication of the guidelines will benefit everyone in the special education sector.
"IEPs will bring key people together in the best interests of the individual child.
"The Individual Education Plan will mark out a clear route for every child with special needs. It will identify the child's developmental needs and highlight where the child can make specific achievements and progress."
"Furthermore, Individual Education Plans are individual, specific and inclusive. They will deliver measurable outcomes for children, parents and teachers alike. The child is provided with a "road map" to chart his/her development, parents will be fully informed of what progress is being made with their child and what outcomes to expect, and all teachers will have a greater involvement in the education of children with special needs."
Primary school principal and NCSE member Sinéad McLoughlin said the IEP guidelines will be "of tremendous benefit to all teachers in special education".