What are the schemes a parent of a child in a special needs school might access during the summer school holiday period to ensure continued classes, tuition, supports and so on? Can schools be requested to continue classes for the child concerned and on what basis?
Adjournment Matter.
Special Educational Needs.
I thank Senator Tuffy for affording me the opportunity to outline the position regarding the July education programme. The support package of the Department of Education and Science for the July education programme is available to all special schools and mainstream primary schools with special classes catering for children with autism which choose to extend their education services through the month of July. The Department also provides for a July programme for pupils with a severe or profound general learning disability.
All relevant schools are encouraged to participate in this initiative in the interest of the children in question. Participation in the scheme is optional for schools and home-based tuition is offered as an alternative for pupils attending schools which choose not to provide a school-based programme.
The support package to participating schools includes special, nationally agreed rates of remuneration for teachers and special needs assistants involved in the programme. Enhanced capitation rates are paid in respect of pupils availing of the programme. Funding is also available to facilitate the provision of school transport and escort services for the children. All relevant schools were advised of the detailed funding arrangements applicable to the July education programme when the service was introduced in July, 2001.
There has been a steady increase in the number of schools offering the July programme, from 38 schools providing a service for 550 pupils in 2002 to 64 schools providing a service for 987 pupils in 2005. The numbers of pupils participating in the home-based programmes have also increased from 116 in 2002 to 933 in 2005.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Senator and I thank her once again for raising the matter with me.
The Seanad adjourned at 8.25 p.m. until10.30 a.m. on Wednesday, 21 June 2006.