Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 July 2020
487. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to ensure the July provision is extended to include post-primary blind and visually impaired students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18679/20]
View answerSummer Provision is aimed at helping children with complex needs prepare for a return to education, particularly after the health restrictions that have been in place over recent months.
As work continues on planning for the re-opening of schools, it is important that we take measures to help the prevention of regression among these children in terms of their education and social interactions.
The eligibility criteria for summer provision includes children in the following categories:
1. Pupils with a diagnosis of Autism
2. Pupils with severe and profound learning difficulties
3. Any child in a special school or a special class
4. Children transitioning into a special class from early years settings to primary school
5. Pupils in primary school mainstream classes who present with the following disabilities:
- children with Down syndrome
- children who are Deaf or most severe hard of hearing
- children who are blind or have a most severe visual impairment
- children who have a moderate general learning disability
- children with severe emotional behavioural difficulties
The Government has also approved the inclusion of children with Down Syndrome who are attending post primary school in the home-based strand of the Programme.
Children with the listed disabilities entering primary school next September are also eligible for the programme.
There are no plans to extend the programme further.
