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***(Ireland) ONE/4 STUDENTS is SPED; 30,000 more in 10 years

***July 31, 2019, Irish News: Vulnerable children 'exposed to distress, anxiety and pushed towards self-harm' https://www.irishnews.com/news/educationnews/2019/08/01/news/vulnerable-children-exposed-to-distress-anxiety-and-pushed-towards-self-harm--1674783/
VULNERABLE young people are being exposed to distress, anxiety and pushed towards self-harm, families have warned.Parents said processes for children with special educational needs were causing "physical and emotional harm".A recently-formed group this week brought its concerns to the Department of Education.
The number of children with SEN in schools has risen by almost 30,000 in a decade and a half. Almost one in every four pupils now has SEN, with a handful of schools educating 200 or more children.
Experts say the massive increase is partly due to earlier and better identification.In addition, the department has a policy of inclusion, which has seen many more pupils having their needs met in mainstream settings.
Unions argue, however, that teachers are not equipped to give children with increasingly complex needs what they require.Now, a group called SEN Equity has presented survey findings to department Permanent Secretary Derek Baker….
The findings showed almost half claimed there was no dedicated support for their child in school. Many also said the statements detailing their children's needs were wrong.
More than 80 per cent said their child suffered anxiety due to their situation….

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