Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 May 2022
488. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Education the number of special schools to participate in the summer (July) provision scheme here in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021; the number of pupils with additional needs that participated in the summer (July) provision scheme here in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22816/22]
View answer489. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Education the number of mainstream schools with ASD units to participate in the summer (July) provision scheme here in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021; the number of pupils attending an ASD Unit in a mainstream school that participated in the summer (July) provision scheme here in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22817/22]
View answer495. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Education the total number of teachers to participate in the summer (July) provision scheme in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021; the total number of special needs assistants to participate in the summer (July) provision scheme in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22823/22]
View answer496. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Education the funding allocated to the summer (July) provision scheme in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021; the funding allocated to the school-based scheme in each of these years; the funding allocated to the home-based scheme in these years, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22824/22]
View answer504. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Education the number of pupils attending a special school here in each of the years 2017 to 2021; the number of pupils who attend a special school that participated in the school-based summer July provision scheme here in the same period in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22985/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 488, 489, 495, 496 and 504 together.
Earlier this month, the Government announced the Summer Programme to allow all primary and post-primary schools to offer a summer programme for students with complex special educational needs and those at greatest risk of educational disadvantage.
The total funding available to provide summer programmes this year is up to €40 million.
The programme was developed following extensive engagement with education stakeholders, parent and disability advocacy groups.
The programme aims are to support pupils to maintain their connection with education, to build their confidence and increase their motivation, promote well-being and for those who are at key transition stages, helping to ensure they continue their education journey in September either in school or in further/higher education or training.
The programmes on offer this summer include:
- Inclusion Programme (Primary) for all primary schools (2-3 weeks programmes) for mainstream pupils with complex needs and those at greatest risk of educational disadvantage.
- Special Classes and Special School Programme in primary (2-5 weeks programmes)
- DEIS Numeracy and literacy Camps/Campaí Samhraidh in DEIS primary schools (one week per camp)
- Inclusion Programme (Post-Primary) for all post-primary schools (2 weeks) for students with complex needs and those at greatest risk of educational disadvantage
- Home based provision for students with complex needs where no school-based programme is available (4 weeks – 40 hours)
Similar to last year children with complex needs entering primary school next September are also eligible to participate in summer programmes.
The supports to support this range of programmes builds on the success last year and incorporates feedback from education stakeholders as to how to better support the programme for all involved in summer 2022.
The Department has addressed concerns previously raised by stakeholders by introducing measures to support schools to encourage schools to offer the programme; funding for a Programme Overseer, preparation time, faster payments of staff, ease of administrative burden on schools and greater guidance materials on programme content.
The programmes can be run at any time over the summer providing schools with autonomy to split the programme weeks to best meet the needs of pupils and staff participating in the programme.
A home-based summer programme will be available for students with complex special educational needs where schools are not providing a school-based programme.
The information requested is not readily available and will have to be collated. We will provide this information directly to the Deputy when available.
