Special Educational Needs Service Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2015

Tuesday, 23 June 2015

Questions (532)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

532. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the way a child (details supplied) in County Tipperary, who has been classified as having a severe to profound learning disability, can be refused access to the July education school-based programme, because the child is not classified as being on the autism disorder spectrum; the reason other severe and profound learning disabilities are not considered for the school-based programme; if a school can offer the programme to children who have a severe to profound learning disability; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24605/15]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The July Education Programme is available to all special schools and mainstream primary schools with special classes catering for children with autism that choose to extend their education services through the month of July. This Department also provides for a July Programme for pupils with a severe/profound general learning disability. Where school based provision is not feasible, home based provision may be grant aided.

It is a matter for individual Boards of Management of schools to decide if they wish to participate in the programme. Staff working in schools are not obliged to work for the extended school year and schools may choose to limit their participation in the programme where necessary.

The school in question has advised that due to staff availability during July they are only in a position to offer the school based programme to children with autism. Home based provision will be approved for the eligible pupils who cannot be accommodated by the school, on request. Home based provision has been approved for the pupil referred to by the Deputy.