Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 March 2021
606. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education the number of students, schools and special schools that availed of July provision in 2020; if the same criteria will be used for the 2021 July provision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17019/21]
View answerA significantly expanded Summer Programme was provided in 2020 for children with the complex needs as a discrete response to Covid-19.
The programme provided either in-school, or home-based supports by teachers and special needs assistants (SNAs) during the summer holidays to help to prevent regression among children with SEN.
The programme's aim was to support children to reintegrate/transition into their planned education setting for the 2020/21 school year with their peers.
Over 14,000 children participated in the special education summer programmes developed by the Department including 3,881 pupils in 255 schools with specialised settings and 9,716 pupils in the home based programme. Of the 255 schools, 30 were special schools.
My Department is progressing work on proposals for this years Summer Provision scheme to provide supports for children with complex special educational needs during the Summer holiday period. The scheme will be influenced by the current public health emergency. These proposals will be developed based on engagement and consultation with the education partners.
I will make an announcement on this in due course.
