Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 June 2021
136. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Education if she will consider incentivising the July provision programme for teachers more (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35369/21]
View answerThe 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 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.
The following categories of students are considered as students with complex needs for the 2021
Summer programme:
- All students in special schools and special classes in primary and post primary schools, including early intervention classes.
- Students in mainstream classes in primary and post primary schools who are accessing the highest level of the continuum of support (Student Support Plus/for a few). This includes students with Autism, Down syndrome, sensory impairments, and other disabilities who were identified for the supplementary programme earlier this year.
Children in the above categories entering primary school in September 2021 are also eligible for the programme.
My Department recognises that not all schools will be in a position to provide a school-based programme.
The programme is reliant on schools, teachers and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) choosing to participate on a voluntary basis.
It is a matter for the Board of Management of the school having regard to the resources available whether or not it will participate in the programme.
There was extensive engagement with stakeholders on the barriers to schools offering the programme. In response to the issues identified, steps were taken to ease administration, provide for preparation and planning time, increased flexibility for schools on the timing of the programme and increased guidance and support. On pay, the Department has taken steps to ensure teachers and SNAs are paid earlier than in previous years.
This year more schools have expressed an interest in offering the special education programme (July Provision) than last year.
A home-based summer programme is available for children with complex needs where their schools are not providing a school-based programme.
Under the home-based programme grant funding is made available so that parents/legal guardians can engage the services of a Teacher or an SNA to provide tuition or care support as appropriate in the child’s home. Parents are advised to contact the school for an application form if required.
The Department will approve a group arrangement between parents/legal guardians and private providers subject to compliance with the published terms and conditions for group arrangements and approved in advance by this Department. Such arrangements must be sourced and procured by parents/legal guardians
Further information on group terms and conditions is available at www.gov.ie/en/publication/62b3b-home-based-summer-programme-2021-terms-and-conditions-for-group-arrangements/
