SNA Appreciation Day mobilises school communities across Ireland

In an unprecedented show of support, over 3,750 schools across Ireland are celebrating the inaugural SNA Appreciation Day today, with the community invited to share their gratitude using the hashtag #ThankOurSNAs.

This is the first year that Fórsa trade union, which represents 14,000 Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) has run the initiative, highlighting the vital role SNAs play in supporting students with additional needs and the school communities in which they work.

Fórsa’s head of Education Andy Pike explained: “We have worked closely with SNAs, schools and the Department of Education to build and develop the SNA role to where it is today, and we see further opportunities ahead to professionalise this crucial school role.

“The enthusiastic participation of schools today underscores the strong community spirit among educators, with teachers, principals, and school secretaries coming together to recognise the invaluable contributions of SNAs,” he said.

Mr Pike added that negotiations with the Department of Education, on a new national contract for SNAs, are ongoing. The union’s membership accounts for around two thirds of all SNAs currently working in Irish schools.

Noreen O’Mahony, Chair of Fórsa’s Munster SNA branch, expressed her excitement about the initiative: “The response to SNA Appreciation Day has been overwhelmingly positive.

“Schools have shown incredible support, and our colleagues in the school secretaries’ branch have been instrumental in distributing materials to facilitate this celebration,” she said.

With four active SNA branches nationally, Fórsa is committed to advocating for the recognition of SNAs as essential members of the school community.

Noreen emphasises the importance of valuing every staff member: “The best-run schools are those where everyone, from the principal to the caretaker, feels appreciated and involved.”

A key objective of SNA Appreciation Day is to enhance awareness among parents regarding the essential work that SNAs do, especially in larger schools.

Noreen highlights the importance of parental recognition: “We want parents to understand the incredible support these dedicated professionals provide in our schools. Awareness is key, and we believe parents truly appreciate the role of SNAs.”

Fórsa has also held a competition draw to mark the day, awarding €1,000 in prizes to four schools in each of the areas represented by the four SNA branches of Fórsa.