Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 May 2021
475. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Education the number of children taking part in the school-based summer education programme 2020 who were entitled to the school meals programme; the number of children taking part in the programme in 2020 who availed of the school meals programme; the full cost of running the school meals programme during the programme in 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24291/21]
View answer485. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Education the number of children taking part in the summer education programme for children with complex needs in 2020 who were entitled to the school meals programme; the number of children taking part in the programme in 2020 who availed of the school meals programme; the full cost of running the school meals programme during the programme in 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24301/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 475 and 485 together.
The Government has approved the provision of significantly expanded summer education programmes for pupils with complex special educational needs and those at greatest risk of educational disadvantage, as a Covid-19 pandemic response measure, for summer 2021.
This is an incredibly important Government decision, which ensures that for first time all primary and post primary schools have the opportunity to provide summer programmes for students with complex needs and those at risk of educational disadvantage.
The total funding available to provide the programme is up to €40 million, a one hundred per cent increase on the allocation for summer provision in 2020.
The programmes for mainstream students in primary and post-primary schools are new programmes for 2021, building upon previous summer programmes for pupils with complex special educational needs and those in provided in DEIS schools last year.
Enhanced measures have been put in place to encourage schools to offer the programme, including measures to reduce the administrative burden, provision of funding to schools towards preparation and overseeing of the programmes, earlier payment of school staff and provision to recruit newly qualified teachers graduating this summer to work on the programme.
The programme’s aims are to support students to re-engage with education, to build their confidence and increase their motivation, promote wellbeing and for some who are at key transition stages, help to ensure they can move on to their planned educational placement next September along with their peers.
A home-based summer programme will continue to be available for students with complex needs where their schools are not providing a school based programme.
The programmes were developed following extensive engagement with education and disability stakeholders. My Department is now working to ensure the necessary supports, guidance and information is made available to both schools and families.
I encourage the school communities to take full advantage of this opportunity and offer this valuable programme to their students.
In 2020, funding of €70,414.59 from the School Meals Programme was provided by the Department of Social Protection to 51 schools (48 primary and 3 secondary) in respect of 2,875 children participating on the Department of Education and Skills run summer programmes for children with complex special educational needs and children at greatest risk of educational disadvantage. Similar arrangements being explored for this year.
Further details on the schemes and how schools can apply will be made available over the coming period at gov.ie/summerprovision.
