Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 October 2022
446. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Education the actions she will take to ensure that all children who need access to the in-school July provision programme in 2023 can access it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51527/22]
View answerThe 2022 summer programme built on the expanded programmes of 2020 and 2021. From 2021, all schools were given the opportunity to run at least one summer programme.
In line with last year, the total funding available to provide summer programmes in 2022 was up to €40 million.
I can assure the Deputy that the programme continues to focus on supporting pupils with complex special educational needs and my Department has provided support to schools to run the summer programme to cater for these students.
To support and facilitate schools and principals with organising and running the programme, the 2022 Summer Programme allowed principals to delegate these functions to other members of staff. Capitation funding and preparation hours were provided to schools who participated in the programme, with additional funding and hours provided to schools that run the Special Class and Special School Programme. Further funding was also made available to Special Schools, in recognition of the extra complexities in running programmes in their schools.
An additional €20 million funding has been approved under Budget ‘23 to continue the expanded summer programme for 2023, bringing the total to €40m for 2023 which was formally announced this week. This early announcement that funding has been secured will allow schools several extra months to plan for a summer programme next year.
The programme has gone from strength to strength with 2022 seeing more schools and more students participate than ever before. Final figures for this year’s programme will be known later in the year but based on the information available to date, it is anticipated that over 45,000 pupils will have participated with over 1,000 schools running a programme.
I am however very conscious that parents want this programme to be available in more schools in 2023 and, as part of the planning that has already begun for next year. The Department is committed to on-going development of the summer programme with a view to ensuring that children that need it, have access to this support. For 2023, it is a priority that more children in special schools have access to a school-based programme.
The Department of Education is also currently reviewing the summer programme and engaging with relevant Departments, agencies and stakeholders so that more children can participate in 2023. It is important that schools are given the support they need to be able to run a programme during the summer and the review will also be taking account of administration needs, workforce expansion, and training requirements that are vital components for the schools.
The Inspectorate in the Department has also visited schools, including special schools as part of that process, and are liaising with staff, parents and the children who participated to help ensure that the review takes account of the lived experience. The Department will also look at innovative way to promote and publicise the programme for next summer to further raise awareness of the scheme and publicise the benefits of running a scheme.
Following the completion of the review, full details, including information and guidance for parents, schools and staff will be published at the earliest possible opportunity in 2023.
