Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 March 2021
409. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education if in-person supplementary support for children could be provided on a 1:1 basis by teachers in schools outside of school hours or at weekends as schools are a safer and more controlled environment (details supplied). [11123/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe supplementary programme 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.
The 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.
Any unused hours can be delivered to families at any time before 30 April 2021, including during the Easter holidays.
My Department has been contacted by schools and families who wish to access the supplementary programme in school settings. My Department is willing to engage with the education stakeholders, particularly the school management bodies on the logistical issues which may need to be considered in the running of this programme in school premises, particularly as this programme is intended to happen outside of school hours such as evenings, weekends and during the Easter holidays.
