Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 March 2021
463. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education if a July provision in-school style programme will be run during the 2021 Easter holidays for children with special educational needs in ASD classrooms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11660/21]
View answerI am particularity conscious of the impact school closures have on children with complex needs and their families.
For this reason, the reopening of special schools and special classes were prioritised with special schools reopening on 11 February on a 50% attendance basis with a supplementary programme in place. All special classes returned to in-school learning on a full-time basis from 22 February and special schools return to full-time in-school education from 1 March.
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.
Any unused hours can be delivered to families at any time before 30 April 2021, including during the Easter holidays.
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.
