1. Policy measures in the above regard are contained in Circular 47/2002 of 24 April 2002. However, it has been noted with concern that not all role-players have total clarity on the allocation, utilisation and management of posts for learners with special education needs (ELSEN posts) (CS Educator post level 1 posts) at mainstream schools.
2. The core policy of the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), as stated in paragraph 2 of the above-mentioned circular, is that all ELSEN posts are linked to the establishment of EMDCs so that they can be utilised in the most economic manner at one or more schools.
3. Should an ELSEN post have been allocated to a school before 1 July 2001 and if it has been filled on a permanent basis since then, the school will retain the post for as long as that incumbent of the post fills it. Such post will be indicated as additional to the staff establishment of the school. However, as soon as the post become vacant, it will be transferred to the EMDC district in which the school is situated. These posts may only be utilised for learners with special education needs and in terms of WCED policy. This implies that the posts can only be utilised in the following ways:

  • The ELSEN educator renders support to educators with regard to as many learners with special needs as possible within the ordinary mainstream classes.

  • If the above-mentioned approach cannot be applied effectively in a specific class or school, the ELSEN educator can withdraw (for one or more teaching periods) the learners with specialised needs from the mainstream classes temporarily and return them to their classes as soon as possible after they have received the necessary support.

  • If there are a few learners in a school who cannot be supported effectively in the above-mentioned ways, the ELSEN educator can keep them with her or him in a core group, but these learners must join the mainstream classes as often as possible.

For further clarity regarding the above-mentioned working methods, please contact the learner support co-ordinator and facilitator at your EMDC.
4. The EMDC director concerned will, at his or her discretion and taking the needs of the school which loses or will lose the post into account, utilise the post in terms of paragraph 3 above and paragraph 3 of the above-mentioned circular. This vacant post will be advertised in the Vacancy List in the customary way and the EMDC will be solely responsible for the filling of this post in terms of the prescribed processes. A school served by the post may also be implicated in this process.
5. Schools which have a need for ELSEN posts must submit written requests to their EMDC director concerned for consideration if and when such posts become available.
6. Please bring the contents of this circular to the attention of all governing bodies.


SIGNED: J.H. HURTER
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2003:11:13