Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 July 2017
110. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the July provision programme includes an arts programme to facilitate children with a severe or profound general learning disability and whose strengths lie in music and the arts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31629/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is the policy of my Department that all children with Special Educational Needs, can have access to an education appropriate to their needs, preferably in school settings through the primary and post primary school network.
Such placements facilitate access to individualised education programmes which may draw from a range of appropriate educational interventions, delivered by fully qualified professional teachers, with the support of Special Needs Assistants and the appropriate school curriculum.
The July Education Programme (or July Provision Grant Scheme) provides funding for an extended school year for children with a severe/profound general learning disability and/or children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) enrolled in recognised schools. Under this scheme the school year of recognised schools is extended by four weeks for eligible pupils. The programme must be educational in content and similar to that delivered during the normal school year.
It is a matter for school authorities to decide how to deploy their resources to cater for the curricular needs of their students.
Where eligible students cannot be accommodated in a school based programme, funding may be provided towards the provision of 40 hours home based tuition.
As home based tuition takes place outside the usual school structure it is important that the educational programme provided generally reflects that which would be provided in a school environment.
It is appropriate therefore that the qualification standard for home based tuition generally reflects that required in a school environment. Accordingly, it is a condition of the scheme that parents/guardians must recruit a tutor who is qualified in the relevant sector, and is registered with the Teaching Council, similar to the requirement for teachers in schools.
Where all efforts have failed to secure the services of a teacher qualified to teach in the sector concerned, the Department may consider the engagement of a person who is registered with the Teaching Council and has a primary degree (minimum Level 7 on the National Framework of Qualifications) in a relevant area.
The National Council for Special Education Policy Advice on Educational Provision for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders was published in July 2016. In developing this policy advice the NCSE reviewed the Department's July Provision Scheme. The NCSE consulted widely with parents, professionals and other stakeholders and interested parties while also conducting research. The policy advice is available on the NCSE's website ncse.ie/policy-advice.
The policy advice recommends that relevant stakeholders should discuss the development of a national day activity scheme that provides a structured, safe, social environment for students with complex special educational needs for one month of the summer holidays.
My Department officials will continue to consult with relevant stakeholders in regard to implementing this recommendation.
