Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 February 2021
359. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Education the measures being considered for children who have developmental language disorder and have lost out on their allotted class time for targeted speech and language service due to Covid-19 restrictions; if consideration will be given to prioritising these children for intensive therapy supports when they finish their school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5049/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI was pleased to announce, on 1 February, that a plan has been agreed to allow for the return to in-school learning for children with special educational needs, at school primary level
It has been agreed with relevant education stakeholders to initiate a phased return to in-person learning for children in special schools and children in special classes in mainstream primary schools.
- Children in special schools will return on 50 per cent capacity shared basis from 11 February
- Children in special classes in mainstream primary schools to return from 22 February
- A scheme to provide for supplementary in-person care and educational support programme is also to commence, from 11 February, for four weeks.
This announcement follows intensive engagement with the trade unions representing teachers and special educational needs assistants, and other relevant stakeholders including parents and school management bodies, to discuss the challenges posed and the supports required to ensure a safe return for this cohort of vulnerable pupils.
On Thursday 11 February, special schools will re-open to pupils. In accordance with this agreement pupils will attend on a 50 per cent basis to allow for attendance of reduced numbers within the school setting. This will be reviewed in line with public health advice.
On Monday 22 February, special classes in mainstream primary schools will re-open to pupils.
Talks will continue this week and in the coming period with stakeholders, including within the post primary school sector, on further phases of return, so that a wider reopening can be delivered for children as soon as possible.
During the period of school closure, remote learning provision will continue to be made available to all pupils in line with each school’s remote learning plan.
Recognising that remote learning is particularly challenging for children with additional needs, the Department of Education is putting in place a supplementary programme to support the education and/or care needs of pupils with complex needs.
An allocation of five hours per week of home-based teaching or care supports will be made available to eligible pupils. This allocation is intended to supplement, and not replace, the remote teaching provided by the pupil’s school and can be provided by a teacher or SNA in a student’s home, at evenings and weekends. Participation in the programme is voluntary for families, teachers and SNAs and must be delivered in accordance with Public Health Advice.
Further information on the in-person supplementary scheme to support the education and care needs of pupils with complex needs is being finalised and will be issued to schools over the coming days. Parents will be advised on the application process, which will be similar to a summer provision scheme, with parents engaging the teacher or SNA directly and the Department arranging payment.
It is intended that this programme would be supported by teachers and SNAs who may opt in to participate, on a paid basis, to help ensure a better learning experience for these pupils and to build on the learning taking place as part of the remote provision.
As therapy services are provided to children who require them by the Health Service Executive, questions in relation to the provision of therapy services should be referred to the Department of Health or to the Health Service Executive.
