Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2015
422. Deputy Gabrielle McFadden asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the objectives behind the review of the school completion programme; when the review will be complete; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18451/15]
View answerThe School Completion Programme aims to retain young people in the formal education system to completion of senior cycle and to generally improve the school attendance, participation and retention of young people who are risk of educational disadvantage. The programme is a targeted intervention aimed at school communities identified through the Department of Education and Skills' DEIS Action Plan for Educational Inclusion. It provides targeted supports annually to approximately 36,000 children.
Since 1st January 2014, the Child and Family Agency has operational responsibility for the School Completion Programme. The review of the School Completion Programme is almost finalised. The objectives of the review are to examine the programme's structures, clarify roles and responsibilities, to analyse the interventions and supports provided and identify best practice and make recommendations for the future of the programme. The review is an important initiative in planning for the future development of the programme.
The review of the SCP was indicated in the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure, 2012-2014. It is being undertaken by the ESRI following a procurement process managed by the Agency.
A key goal of the review is to assist in identifying the reforms necessary to consolidate the programme on a sustainable footing for the future and ensure that available funds are targeted to those services which provide the greatest contribution to educational outcomes for children at risk of early school leaving and educational disadvantage.
The final report of the review is expected next month.
