Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) play a pivotal role in promoting inclusion and ensuring that students with additional needs can fulfil their potential in education.
On SNA Appreciation Day, we take a moment to recognise their invaluable contributions to education systems across the country.
Organised by Forsa, the trade union representing thousands of SNAs, this day is dedicated to raising awareness of the vital role they perform in schools and advocating for greater recognition and support for their work.
The Role of SNAs: More than Just Support
SNAs are tasked with supporting students who have physical, emotional, or educational needs, helping them engage with the curriculum, maintain their independence, and feel included within the school community.
They also support the class teacher to work inclusively with children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and additional needs.
The role is highly demanding and requires a deep understanding of each student’s unique needs.
Whether offering physical assistance, helping with communication, or providing emotional support, SNAs tailor their approach to each individual to ensure their wellbeing and academic success.
Forsa highlights that SNAs are more than just classroom aides. They are facilitators of inclusion, working closely with teachers, parents, and other professionals to create a holistic support system around the child.
They ensure that no student, regardless of their abilities, is left behind or excluded from the learning environment. Their work is critical in fostering an inclusive education system where every child is given the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Statistics on SNAs: Supporting Thousands of Students
In recent years, the number of SNAs has grown significantly. According to data from the Irish Department of Education, there are over 20,000 SNAs currently working in primary and secondary schools. This figure represents a 70% increase in SNA numbers since 2011.
Despite this growth, the demand for SNAs continues to rise due to the increasing number of students requiring additional support in schools.
In the 2023/24 school year alone, it is estimated that over 42,500 students receive support from an SNA, reflecting the scale of their impact.
These students rely on SNAs to help them navigate the school day, access the curriculum, and engage in activities that they might otherwise find difficult. For many students, the presence of an SNA is the difference between thriving in a school environment and struggling with isolation or disengagement.
Champions of Inclusion
Samantha Cooney is a Lecturer in Early Years and Inclusive Education at Portobello Institute.
"Today marks the first SNA Appreciation Day organised by Forsa. The SNA scheme began in 1998, so we have a great deal of appreciation to catch up on! Ireland’s classrooms have undergone tremendous changes in the past 5 years, 10 years, 20 years. This change has been filled with successes, triumphs, challenges, difficulty and more. However, no success has been achieved without the extra hands, smiles, hearts, and skills of our tremendously talented SNAs.
"I have had the privilege of working as an SNA in both special and mainstream settings. Those years shaped my current teaching practice in ways no teacher training ever could. Every child is different regardless of whether or not they have access to an SNA. But every SNA I have had the pleasure of working alongside has been flexible, adaptable, quick thinking and tremendously skilled.
"Without these attributes, thousands of students, past, present and future, would not reach their full potential solely because society is not set up to support them. Our SNAs are indeed 'Champions of Inclusion’ because there are countless healthy, happy, independent and fulfilled adults that benefited from their care, support and kindness. Champions of Inclusion is a wonderful descriptor; however, I would consider Ireland’s SNAs to be the Guardians of Inclusion," she said.
SNAs and the Future of Inclusive Education
As education systems worldwide strive to become more inclusive, the role of SNAs will continue to grow in importance.
They are not only key players in the daily lives of students with additional needs but also champions of inclusion who help to shape a more equitable educational environment for all.
It is crucial that SNAs receive the recognition, resources, and respect they deserve. SNA Appreciation Day serves as a reminder of the extraordinary contributions these professionals make to the lives of students, families, and the broader education community.
By celebrating and supporting SNAs, we move closer to achieving a truly inclusive education system that recognises the potential of every student.
Find Out More
If you are interested in becoming an Special Needs Assistant visit our faculty with upcoming courses. You can book a consultation call with Jennifer Matteazzi, email jennifer.matteazzi@portobelloinstitute.com or call 01 892 0031.
If you are already an SNA interested in upskilling with a degree, visit our BA (Hons) Inclusive Education Practice course page. You can book a consultation call with Sarah Coyne, email sarah.coyne@portobelloinstitute.com or call 01 892 0028.
