The supplementary programme is intended to supplement the teaching and learning provided by the student’s school and alleviate the impact of this period of school closure through the provision of 5 hours per week in-person teaching or care support to be delivered in homes.
The programme must be delivered outside of the normal school day (i.e. evenings and weekends), so that the student can continue to engage as fully as possible with the teaching and learning provided by their school.
My Department’s approach is intended to be flexible so as to maximise the number of students participating.
Any unused hours can be used by families at any time before 30 April 2021, including during the Easter holidays.
Schools have been requested to assist Parents in sourcing a Teacher/SNA on school staff or other teachers and SNAs known to the school.
In addition, the NCSE provides information on how to source a Teacher or SNA where parents cannot source one through their schools at the following link https://ncse.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Supplementary-Programme-2021.pdf
Support can also be accessed through Irish Primary Principals Network (IPPN) at the link: https://www.educationposts.ie/notice/supprog
The programme is structured in similar way to my Department’s home based summer programme. Parents will engage either a teacher or an SNA in a private arrangement. As such it is the responsibility of the parent and teacher/SNA to ensure any necessary insurance arrangements are in place.
My Department has been contacted by schools and families who wish to access the supplementary programme in school settings. My Department is willing to engage with the education stakeholders, particularly the school management bodies on the logistical issues which may need to be considered in the running of this programme in school premises, particularly as this programme is intended to happen outside of school hours such as evenings, weekends and during the Easter holidays.
