Andrew Boylan
Question:127 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will give details of the number of pupils who are currently involved in this Department's early school leavers initiative. [11848/00]
Written Answers. - Early School Leavers.
The projects strand of the eight to 15 early school leaver initiative seeks to develop models of intervention that are effective in addressing the needs of young people who are risk of educational disadvantage and early school leaving. Also, the models must be replicable in areas other than those areas in which they operate as pilot projects.
The core element of the initiative is the establishment of multi-agency consortia at local level that deliver in-school and out-of-school supports to young people at risk and to their families. The consortia must involve a school or schools.
Some 1,200 young people are specifically targeted for direct support in the project areas. Based on criteria developed at local level, these young people are deemed to be most at risk of not reaching their potential in the educational system and of leaving school without qualification. Additional numbers of young people who are potentially at risk, and others, are involved in out-of-school developmental activities.
All the young people in the projects are involved in holiday time activities that include more academic supports, social and personal development, sport and leisure activities as well as other actions that ensure a safe and motivated return to school.