Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 July 2022
534. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Education the number of full school-based summer programmes in 2022 for special schools and classes in County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37038/22]
View answerIn May 2022 the Government announced this year's 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 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.
Building on the 2021 programme, all primary and post primary schools can offer a summer programme and in line with last year’s funding, there is up to €40 million available to provide for this year’s programme.
A key objective of this year’s scheme is to increase the number of schools offering the summer programme to their students. Steps have been taken to afford schools as much flexibility as possible, and to ease administrative requirements.
An online registration portal was available for schools to register their participation in this year’s programme with a closing date of 9 June 2022, and it remains open for schools to contact the Department in respect of the Summer Programme. Indications are that over 1,000 schools will participate in this year's programme compared to 945 in 2021. Final numbers of participating schools will be available later in the Summer.
