Paraprofessional support in Irish schools: from special needs assistants to inclusion support assistants

Paraprofessional support to enable access education has developed in differing directions a range of countries. In Ireland, the role special needs assistant focused on supporting additional care children with educational ensure their participation lessons. The (SNA) was considered crucial as Irish mainstream schools adapted delivering more inclusive learning environments. Support provision been recently reconceptualised and within this model assistants are now designated Inclusion Assistants very specific excluding any teaching activity.This research draws data from longitudinal study SEN focus SNAs schools. Findings indicated that contribution highly valued by stakeholders. It is suggested evolution SNA Ireland can adopting flexible approach create