Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 February 2021
356. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Education the way in which mainstream schools can apply for a support programme for special classes in order that pupils can access five hours of special education per week for four weeks given the application cannot be found on the website of her Department and has not been sent to schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7871/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department recently announced an In-Person Supplementary Programme to support the education or care needs of primary and post primary pupils with complex needs. Full information including application forms has been provided to all schools.
This programme of in-person support is intended to supplement the teaching and learning provided by the student’s school and alleviate the impact of this period of school closure through the provision of 5 hours per week in-person teaching or care support to be delivered in homes.
Application forms and information are available through schools who are in the process of contacting the families of eligible pupils to assist them with the application process.
General guidance for Parents and Teachers/SNAs, information on the schemes terms and conditions, including Covid-19 guidance, is available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/service/865df-in-person-supplementary-programme/ .An allocation of five hours per week of home-based teaching or care supports will be made available to eligible pupils for four weeks.
The support programme must be delivered outside of the normal school day (i.e. evenings and weekends), so that the student can continue to engage as fully as possible with the teaching and learning provided by their school.
The program cannot be delivered remotely or in the school building.
Any unused hours can be delivered to families at any time before 30 April 2021, including during the Easter holidays.
