Fórsa to host online seminar for SNAs

Education and training for special needs assistants – preparing for an inclusive future

• Where: Online event, click here to register

• When: Saturday December 4, 2021

• Time: 11am to 1.30pm

Fórsa will host this special online seminar event on Saturday December 4, from 11am, to highlight perspectives on issues such as the minimum educational qualification required to work as an SNA, the need for continuing professional development and how best to train and prepare SNAs to support students within a more inclusive education system.

The event is being held as part of the #RespectforSNAs campaign, which aims to establish a new entrant qualification that reflects the complexities of the SNA role.

The campaign was launched in July 2021, drawing support and endorsements from parents associations, boards of management, school principals, teaching unions, advocacy groups and other stakeholders.

The online event will include contributions from the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), academic experts, parents groups and SNAs on how education and training for SNAs could be improved. A full list of speakers is included below.

Fórsa now represents more than 12,000 SNAs, who have a diverse range of educational qualifications.

The union wishes to highlight the benefits of improved education standards and provision for the students who are supported through the allocation of SNAs to schools.

The seminar is open to SNAs, parents, teachers and other stakeholders with an interest in the provision of education and training in this area.

The seminar will commence at 11am and finish at 1.30pm.

Speakers

• Noreen O’Mahoney, SNA, and cathaoirleach of the Fórsa Education division

• Professor William Kinsella, head of UCD School of Education

• Madeline Hickey, specialist lead, Sensory Policy and Practice, National Council for Special Education (NCSE)

• Caroline Quinn, principal of Our Lady of Good Counsel GNS in Johnston, on behalf of the Irish Primary Principals Network (PPN)

• Dr Mary Kelly, head of the School of Education at Hibernia College

• Andy Pike, head of Education, Fórsa