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Special Educational Needs Staff

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 February 2021

Thursday, 25 February 2021

Questions (174)

Michael McNamara

Question:

174. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Education if trainee primary teachers who have completed two years of their degree courses and were due to complete placements in their third-year will be considered to provide July provision in 2021; if she will provide reasons for her decision in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10857/21]

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Written answers

Summer Provision 2020 was a discrete response to Covid-19 providing Education or Care Needs to pupils with complex needs during the summer.

The programme aimed to re-establish the pupils relationships and connections with their schools and their peers as a basis for learning and participation and to help the child to re-engage in learning and social activities.

The programme aimed to ensure, in so far as possible, that the child can reintegrate/transition into their planned education setting for the new school year and help to prevent regression among children with special needs.

As tuition under the home based scheme took place outside the usual school structure it was important that teachers were qualified to provide an educational programme.

Accordingly, it was a condition of the scheme that parents/legal guardians must recruit a teacher who is qualified in the sector in which the tuition is being provided and is registered and vetted with the Teaching Council of Ireland.

My Department is progressing work on proposals for this years Summer Provision scheme which will be influenced by the current public health emergency. These proposals will be developed based on engagement and consultation with the education partners, including teacher unions. The qualification criteria for teachers participating in the scheme will be considered as part of this work.

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