Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 May 2019
102. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Skills the cohort the July provision is aimed at; the rules of the provision; the number of teachers that have applied; the number refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20959/19]
View answerThe purpose of the Home based July Provision Grant Scheme is to provide funding towards an extended school year for children with a severe or profound general learning disability or children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
The scheme was developed to reduce potential regression in learning associated with these specific categories of special education needs over the summer holidays.
Where eligible students cannot be accommodated in a school based programme, Parents can apply to my Department for grant funding towards the provision of 40 hours home based tuition.
As the home based scheme takes place outside the usual school structure it is important that home tutors are qualified to provide an educational programme.
Accordingly, the criteria for the provision of grant funding sets out that Parents must engage the services of a tutor, registered and vetted by the Teaching Council of Ireland to provide tuition to the child in the child’s home for 40 hours (10 hrs a week for four weeks).
The full terms and conditions of the Home Based July Provision Grant Scheme are published on my Departments website at
www.education.ie/en/Parents/Services/July-Provision/Home-Based.html.
The closing date for receipt of completed applications for 2019 is Friday, May 17th.
In 2018, just over 6700 applications were received from Parent’s for the Home Based July Provision Grant, of which 116 were refused as they did not meet the schemes terms and conditions.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) published Policy Advice on Educational Provision for Children with Autism in July 2016 which included a review of the July Scheme.
The review found that in general parents value July provision because it provides day-time respite for families and a structured day for students. The NCSE review found a number of problems with the scheme as currently organised.
These include concerns that the scheme may be inequitable because it is not provided to all students with complex special educational needs. My Department is also aware that parents of children with complex special educational needs have difficulty in sourcing a tutor for their child.
The Council recommended that the relevant Government Departments consider how an equitable national day activity scheme could be developed for all students with complex special educational needs.
The proposed scheme would provide a structured, safe, social environment for all students with complex special educational needs.
My Department has convened an Implementation Group to ensure that the Report’s recommendations are fully and appropriately considered.
There has been consultation with a number of other Departments and State agencies regarding the future direction of the July Education Programme. It is expected that the Group will make recommendations shortly concerning a revised scheme which would be implemented next year at the earliest. Before any changes are made, there will be consultations with stakeholders.
