ABSTRACT

Paraprofessional support to enable access to education has developed in differing directions in a range of countries. In Ireland, the role of the special needs assistant has focused on supporting the additional care needs of children with special educational needs to ensure their participation in lessons. The role of the special needs assistant (SNA) was considered crucial as Irish mainstream schools adapted to delivering more inclusive learning environments. Support provision has been recently reconceptualised and within this model special needs assistants are now designated as Inclusion Support Assistants with a very specific care role excluding any teaching activity.

This research draws on data from a longitudinal study of SEN provision with a specific focus on the role of SNAs within Irish schools. Findings indicated that the contribution of special needs assistants was highly valued by education stakeholders. It is suggested that the evolution of the SNA role in Ireland can support schools in adopting a flexible approach to create inclusive learning environments.

摘要

在许多国家中，为获得受教育机会而提供的超专业支持已经朝着不同的方向发展。在爱尔兰，特殊需要助理的作用集中于支持有特殊教育需要的儿童的额外照料需求，以确保他们参与课程。随着爱尔兰主流学校适应提供更具包容性的学习环境，特殊需求助理（SNA）的作用被认为是至关重要的。支持提供最近已重新概念化，在此模型中，现在将特殊需要助理指定为包容支持助理，其职责非常明确，不包括任何教学活动。

这项研究基于对SEN服务的纵向研究得出的数据，特别关注SNA在爱尔兰学校中的作用。调查结果表明，教育利益相关者高度重视特殊需求助手的贡献。建议在爱尔兰，SNA角色的演变可以支持学校采用灵活的方法来创建包容性学习环境。