Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 July 2015
34. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 225 of 28 April 2015, if the review of the school completion programme has been completed; the actions he intends to take as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27329/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 1st January 2014, the Child and Family Agency has operational responsibility for the School Completion Programme, including the allocation of funds to local projects. It involves 124 locally managed projects and provides targeted supports to approximately 36,000 children and young people.
The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) review of the School Completion Programme is almost finalised. I am advised that it is currently in peer review process in the ESRI. It is anticipated that it will be available shortly.
The review will assist in identifying the reforms necessary to consolidate the programme on a sustainable footing for the future. It will, amongst other things, examine the School Completion Programme structures, and how they can best support an integrated approach to address early school leaving.
The preliminary findings of the review indicate that the School Completion Programme encompasses a broad range of measures and interventions that have been developed by local projects to address the needs of children over the years. The findings in the review will cover the processes involved in identifying target children for support, the form and focus of the supports provided and the complexities involved in measuring the outcomes for children at risk of educational disadvantage.
The final report on the review will make findings and recommendations on these aspects of the programme and on strengthening the current governance and programme structures and on the resourcing of the programme.
Tusla has advised that it is the Agency’s intention to engage in widespread consultation with a view to future development of the programme in line with the emerging needs of children.
I have advised the Agency of my commitment to ensuring that there is no diminution in the school completion programme services. The School Completion Programme is an important service within the Agency’s educational welfare services. It is highly regarded as a key response in securing improved educational outcomes for children and young people at risk of early school leaving.
