Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 May 2022
527. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Education the steps that she is taking to ensure that a home-based summer programme will be available for pupils with complex special educational needs in cases in which schools are not providing a school-based programme. [23460/22]
View answerThe Department of Education considers that school-based programmes provide a more holistic experience for students and help retain the important connection with school and peers.
However, the Department also recognises that not all schools will be in a position to provide a school-based programme, so a home-based programme continues to be available for students with complex needs where the school-based programme is unavailable. It is important that the home-based programme provides support for the education and/or care needs of students with complex needs during the summer break period.
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. Schools are requested to provide parents with the contact details of a teacher/SNA where possible.
The NCSE have compiled a non-exhaustive list of private home tutor services and online platforms who may advertise for tutors for the 2022 Summer Programme and published it on their website.
Additionally the Irish Primary Principals Network has created a Summer Programme Noticeboard for teachers and SNAs to advertise their availability for the programme. Parents can also post notices on the board to source suitable candidates.
