The Health Service Executive’s Children’s Disability Network Teams (CDNTs) have approved an enhanced in-school therapy supports pilot for sixteen special schools in Cork and Dublin. This program, supported by the National Council for Special Education, will begin in selected schools in September and run through the 2024/2025 academic year. The aim of this initiative is to provide effective in-school therapy supports to children in addition to the existing services offered by the CDNTs.
This integrated model, backed by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY), the Department of Education (DoE), the HSE, and the NCSE, will focus on delivering additional Speech and Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy supports to children in special schools based on their individual needs. The therapists will be available in the schools for the entire school day, providing a range of services such as workshops for staff and families, environmental adaptations, and therapeutic interventions for children with specific needs.
Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman, expressed his support for the pilot, stating that the increased therapy hours will lead to better outcomes for children with special needs. Minister of State with responsibility for Disabilities, Anne Rabbitte, also welcomed the initiative, highlighting the importance of an integrated approach between health and education to support children effectively.
Minister for Education, Norma Foley, emphasized the significance of therapists working in special schools throughout the school day and year, enhancing the inclusion and learning experiences of children. The evaluation of this pilot program will inform future policy development to ensure all children have access to education that supports their full potential.
While children with special needs will continue to attend their local CDNT for one-to-one appointments with therapists, the in-school therapy supports pilot will provide additional services within the school setting. Detailed preparations are underway, and engagement with special school management will commence once the new school year begins.
This pilot program represents a collaborative effort to enhance services for children with special needs in special schools. By providing in-school therapy supports, children will receive additional assistance tailored to their individual requirements, ensuring a more comprehensive approach to their education and well-being. The integration of health and education services is crucial to meeting the complex needs of these children and ensuring they receive the support they need to thrive.