Campaign group welcomes revised definition of an SNA

A group that has been campaigning for better SNA provision in schools has welcomed the publication of a revised definition of the role of Special Needs Assistants in schools.

The Save Our SNAs Campaign said updated language relating to students' "core needs" was "a particularly positive development".

The group, which is made up of parents, SNAs, and others, said one of its key objectives had been to ensure that children’s communication and regulation needs were explicitly recognised within the framework governing SNA supports.

"We are pleased to see these important areas now included," it said in a statement.

"This represents a meaningful acknowledgement of the diverse and evolving needs of the children and young people supported by SNAs every day," it added.

It said the publication of a new circular, with this new definition, marked "an important milestone following years of dedicated campaigning by parents, SNAs, teachers, advocates, and supporters across the country".

Department officials earlier said the new definition reflected "the evolved role of the SNA".

The new circular outlines core SNA duties related to medical and intimate care, but in a new departure it also refers to their role in supporting student engagement and participation in learning, such as supporting pupils to regulate themselves and in transitions such as movement between classes.

Schools and campaigners had complained that the previous description of the role confined the provision of SNA supports largely to children who had primary care needs, such as support with toileting.

Save Our SNAs Campaign was behind a number of nationwide demonstrations that took place last February when almost 200 primary schools were told their SNA provision would be cut.

The decision was quickly reversed following a public outcry.

Acknowledging that documents published yesterday also contain proposed changes relating to aspects of SNA contracts.

It said SNAs must have the opportunity to consider those proposals independently.