Education
Question by:
Hon Galil Brinkhuis
Answered by:
Hon David Maynier
Question Number:
1
Question Body:
- Whether there are any special-needs learners in (a) Paarl and (b) Wellington who are attending classes in mainstream schools; if so, what are the relevant details;
- whether teachers at mainstream school are equipped to manage the requirements of these learners; if so, what are the relevant details;
- whether he can provide a progress report on how these learners are coping in mainstream schools;
- what are the reasons why these learners are not accommodated in special-needs schools?
Answer Body:
- My department has informed me of the following:
(1) Yes, there are 406 special needs learners in the Paarl and Wellington areas that attend mainstream schools, including learners with physical, intellectual and learning difficulties.
- Training and support are provided to teachers and learners by district and specialist teams at mainstream schools.
The early identification of barriers to learning is also emphasised. There is a wide range of support services available, including school-based support and specialist interventions from the districts.
- Progress reports are kept by schools, as well as district specialist teams. Progress reports of individual learners are protected by the provisions of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA). The member would need to submit a PAIA application to access the reports.
- Not all learners identified with special needs are placed in a Special School. With the necessary support these learners can be accommodated in mainstream schools. Priority is given to High Needs learners as it relates to special schools. It must be noted that learners are supported by district and specialist teams while awaiting placement at special schools. District teams in collaboration with the school regularly review the learners’ needs according to the Screening, Identification, Assessment and Support (SIAS) policy with a view to establishing the levels of support that is required.
Date:
Friday, November 25, 2022
