Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 June 2020
218. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of summer provision for a school (details supplied); the action being taken to ensure that the programme can proceed at this school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13454/20]
View answerMy Department published details of Summer Provision 2020 – Reconnecting with Education including a programme for children with complex special educational needs.
The programme is a significant expansion on the July Provision programme of previous years with the eligibility criteria widened to include approximately 9,000 additional primary aged children with complex needs.
All special schools and primary schools with special classes are invited to provide the school based summer provision for their students. This programme will run for a minimum of two weeks and can extend up to four weeks where the schools, teachers and Special Needs Assistants are willing to participate.
My Department issued guidance to these schools to support management and staff in the delivery of summer programmes for children with special educational needs and those experiencing educational disadvantage as we continue to operate in line with public health advice to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
This guidance includes information in respect of hand hygiene, physical distancing, use of PPE and a risk assessment template.
The programme is reliant on schools, teachers and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) choosing to participate on a voluntary basis.
It is therefore a matter for the Board of Management of the school having regard to the resources available whether or not it will participate in the programme.
To date 231 schools have indicated they intend to provide the school based summer provision.
Once registered, the school is free to plan and organise the programme in accordance with the the guidance on my Departments website. When the programme has been delivered, it submits the necessary documentation for the funding available under the programme.
A programme for DEIS schools for this Summer was also announced.
Full information on summer provision and its various strands, including guidance information for parents, is available at Gov.ie/summerprovision.
