Arklow’s Little Warriors Welcome Reversal of SNA Cuts

An Arklow-based children’s advocacy group has welcomed the Government’s decision to reverse proposed cuts and redeployment measures affecting Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) for the upcoming academic year.

Little Warriors, which supports neurodivergent children and their families in the local community, described the move by the Minister for Education as a positive and important step for children, families, schools and SNAs nationwide.

In a statement, the group said the reversal must now mark a turning point in how SNA supports are viewed and protected within the education system.

“This is a positive and important step for children, families, schools, and SNAs across the country. However, this must now be a turning point,” the group said.

They are calling on the Minister to use this moment to engage directly with parents, carers, SNAs, teachers and school leaders who see first-hand the impact of support staff in classrooms every day.

“We urge the Minister for Education to take this opportunity to truly listen to parents, carers, SNAs, teachers, and principals. Those working directly with our children understand just how vital SNA supports are in today’s classrooms. SNAs do far more than provide physical or personal care.”

The group emphasised that the role of SNAs extends well beyond practical assistance, particularly for neurodivergent pupils who rely on stability and trust within the school environment.

“They are the anchor and the bridge for many of our neurodivergent children. They support emotional regulation, learning, communication, social development, and daily transitions. They provide consistency, security, and trust — which for many children is the foundation that makes education possible.”

Little Warriors say classrooms require increased support, not reductions, and that every child deserves to feel safe, understood and empowered to reach their full potential.

“Our classrooms need more support, not less. Every child deserves to feel safe, understood, and supported to reach their full potential.”

While welcoming the reversal, the group stressed that families now need long-term certainty.

“While this pause has now become a reversal, families need certainty for the future. We need firm, long-term plans that protect and strengthen SNA provision. We need a meaningful review of the SNA role that reflects the reality of modern classrooms and we need investment in SNAs, not cuts. Our children cannot afford uncertainty.”

Protests were held in several counties this week, including outside the Dáil Éireann in Dublin, highlighting the strength of feeling among parents and educators on the issue.

Founded in 2021 by Anita Nolan, Little Warriors was established to provide support and inclusion for neurodiverse children and their families in Arklow. The group offers a safe, welcoming and anxiety-free space where children, parents, siblings and friends can connect and play. They were also part of a collaberation of inclusive groups which introduced a sensory-friendly viewing area to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

In April 2025, Little Warriors achieved registered charity status and has continued to grow year on year, becoming an important pillar of support within the local community.

The group says it will continue advocating to ensure children receive the educational supports they need and deserve. For more information you can visit the Little Warriors Facebook page.