A webinar helping special needs assistants navigate the profession is scheduled to take place next week.
Schools have now resumed after summer break nationwide. Public trade union Forsa continues to advocate on behalf of SNAs amid industry wide complaints about their treatment.
SNAs have previously described being asked to carry out duties outside of their job descriptions, such as cleaning out fish tanks and laying down concrete. Forsa's equality officer and SNA Linda O'Sullivan said similar complaints have already arisen this school year alone.
She told Dublin Live: "One SNA was told she couldn't park in the school car park as it was for teachers only. We all want to be singing from the same hymn sheet but there's been a huge influx of messages from our members about the way they're being treated- non teaching staff are very often perceived as easy targets."
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Linda is partnering up with support service Le Cheile to deliver an upcoming webinar for new SNAs. The session will give those new to the profession insights about dealing with parents and school staff.
She added: "The first few weeks and even term can be very daunting. People are often unsure of how to approach management and parents. The webinar will also focus on what to expect from a mainstream versus a special class."
The webinar will cost a total of €10. Linda explained that although similar services are on offer for those entering the profession, they often come at a hefty cost.
Forsa members are also experiencing difficulties providing targeted care to pupils. SNAs are being increasingly stretched to accommodate as many children as possible, which Linda said could potentially lead to burn out.
Linda also alleged that several SNAs were being asked to help implement the free book rental scheme now available in all primary schools. The scheme's funding has a grant in place for separate administrative support for the project's rollout.
She added: "The book rental scheme announced by Minister for Education Norma Foley is now in every primary school. Unfortunately we’ve had reports that SNAs are being brought in a few days early to carry out that role when someone else will be getting paid for its provision."
The webinar with Le Cheile will take place on Sunday September 1 1 at 7:30pm. You can register for the session through Le Cheile's website.
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