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ATU Awarded €1.9 Million Contract for National Training Programme for Special Needs Assistants
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) has been awarded a €1.9 million contract for the continued delivery of the National Training Programme for Special Needs Assistants (SNAs)
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) has been awarded a €1.9 million contract for the continued delivery of the National Training Programme for Special Needs Assistants (SNAs), following a competitive procurement process conducted by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) on behalf of the Department of Education.
Minister for Education Helen McEntee and Minister of State with responsibility for Special Education and Inclusion Michael Moynihan have confirmed that a contract has been awarded to Atlantic Technological University (ATU) led by the School of Education at St Angelas campus in Lough Gill, Co. Sligo for continued provision of the national training programme for Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) from September 2025.
Further to a procurement process by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) on behalf of the Department of Education, ATU emerged as the successful tenderer to continue delivery of the course. A total of 2,962 SNAs have completed the course to date, while a further 881 are enrolled for the current academic year. The course, which was first made available to SNAs in 2021, is accredited as a Level 6 Special Purpose award on the National Framework of Qualification (NFQ).
The course, which is fully funded by the Department of Education, will be offered between the School of Education and the School of Nursing, Health Sciences and Disability Studies at ATU St Angelas.
Minister McEntee said: “I am pleased that this important training programme will continue to be available to train and upskill SNAs. This purposefully designed course will provide an opportunity for more SNAs to enhance their knowledge, skills and expertise to provide the best possible support for children and young people with care needs attending schools around the country.”
“I congratulate ATU St Angelas on their successful tender for this course. St Angelas School of Education has a wealth of experience in special education training, and I have no doubt they will provide a high-quality learning experience to SNAs who enrol on this course for the coming academic year.”
Minister Moynihan said: “I welcome this continued investment by the Department of Education in the professional development of SNAs. The School of Education in ATU St Angelas offers programmes and research in special and inclusive education and is well placed to provide the knowledge and expertise required to deliver excellent training to SNAs.”
“SNAs who complete this course will be equipped with the most up to date skills and knowledge and the practical focus of the course will support SNAs with hands-on experience to support their vital frontline role. This will, overall, assist school communities to meet the needs of children and young people with special educational needs enabling them to attend school, engage in learning and gain independence to the greatest extent possible.”
Welcoming the announcement, ATU President Dr Orla Flynn said: “We welcome the Ministers announcement that ATU has been selected to continue delivering this vital training programme for Special Needs Assistants. Our colleagues at St Angelas have a proud tradition of excellence in education and training, particularly in special and inclusive education. This programme plays a key role in enhancing the skills and knowledge of SNAs, ensuring they are well-equipped to provide high-quality support to children and young people with additional needs. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the Department of Education and the NCSE in delivering this impactful programme.”
