Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 July 2021
319. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Education the number of schools that have signed up for the enhanced summer July provision programme for children with additional educational needs between the years 2017 to 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form. [36386/21]
View answer320. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Education the reason her Department did not announce the details of the July provision programme until mid-May impacting on the time for schools and parents' ability to resource the programme fully; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36387/21]
View answer321. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Education the number of children that have accessed and attended July provision over the years 2016 to 2020, in tabular form. [36388/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 319 to 321, inclusive, together.
It is acknowledged that the closure of schools for extended periods on two separate occasions, over the past two years, due to COVID restrictions, has meant that this has been a very difficult period for our young people and students.
These difficulties were often even more pronounced for students who have disabilities, or special educational needs, who often found it harder to fully participate with remote education.
It is for this reason that Government, confirmed that special education should be a priority as part of school reopening earlier this year with special schools and special classes being prioritised for the earliest stages of school reopening.
In addition to prioritising pupils with special educational needs to return to school, my Department has also provided for a range of measures to support such pupils while out of school. This included measures to support the provision of teaching support during the school closure period and a supplementary education scheme.
All schools reopened on 12 April. Priority was then given to planning for an expanded summer programme. There was extensive consultation with stakeholders with a particular focus on the barriers to school participation. Steps were taken to address issues identified including the provision of paid planning and preparation time, flexibility on the timing, reduced administrative burden, increased guidance and support and arrangements to pay teachers and SNAs earlier.
The arrangements for an expanded summer programme for 2021 were announced in May some weeks ahead of last year, with a budget of €40m. Under the 2021 programme, students with complex special educational needs and those at greatest risk of educational disadvantage will have access to an enhanced summer programme of education.
Participation by schools, teachers and SNAs is voluntary.
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
A home based strand is available for children with complex needs as in previous years. Support and information has been provided to help parents in securing a tutor.
July Provision/Summer Provision Statistics 2016-2020
|
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
|
|
Total no. of children (Home Based & School Based) |
8705 |
9344 |
10228 |
10563 |
13608 |
|
Total Number of participating Schools |
3418 |
3422 |
3556 |
3405 |
389 |
*For 2020 the scheme became Summer Provision and was extended to a wider number of categories for eligibility as a response to the pandemic. The number of children participating with ASD or a severe/profound general learning difficulty are included in the overall total of eligible children.
# Eligibility for the scheme is based on category of disability and enrolment in a recognised school.
2021 summer scheme
An extended timeline for registration was also provided. Schools had until 25 June 2021 to register.
The registrations as of 25 June are as follows:
Post primary (no of schemes proposed to be run)
|
Inclusion programme |
Special Classes |
|
120 |
4 |
A total of 124 post primary schools have registered
Primary (number of schemes proposed to be run)
|
Special Class programme |
Special School |
Inclusion programme |
DEIS Primary School Literacy and Numeracy Camps |
|
Special Class programme |
Special School |
Inclusion programme |
DEIS Primary School Literacy and Numeracy Camps |
|
356 |
48 |
466 |
352* |
A total of 844 primary schools (including special schools have registered as providing at least one scheme.
Totals
|
Total Post-Primary Schemes |
Total Schemes run by Primary Schools |
Total Schemes |
|
Total Post-Primary Schemes |
Total Schemes run by Primary Schools |
Total Schemes |
|
124 |
1222 |
1346 |
A total of 968 primary and post primary schools have registered.
Claim forms for the home-based strand are submitted at the end of the programme, with a closing date of 03 September 2021, so actual participation numbers will not be available until late October/early November.
Similarly, whereas the number of schools which have registered an intention to provide a summer programme in 2021, is as set out above, the total number of schools which actually provide the programme in 2021 will not be confirmed until later in the year.
