The Special Needs Assistant (SNA) scheme is designed to provide schools with additional adult support staff who can assist children with special educational needs who also have additional and significant care needs. Such support is provided in order to facilitate the attendance of those pupils at school and also to minimise disruption to class or teaching time for the pupils concerned, or for their peers, and with a view to developing their independent living skills.
The allocation of SNAs is made by the NCSE and all SNAs are employed directly by the Board of Management. For a brief overview of SNA duties please see Quick Reference Guide to Care Needs – Circular 0030/2014.
