Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 May 2021
171. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Education if she will report on the extension of the school inclusion model which was approved in early 2019 and includes in-school and preschool therapy services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24884/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Inclusion Model (SIM) is based on policy advice from the National Council for Special Education based on the principle of providing the right support at the right time delivered by a range of personnel with relevant qualifications and skill-sets. Its purpose is to help students achieve better outcomes and test a model of tailored therapeutic supports that allows for early intervention in terms of providing speech and language and occupational therapy within ‘educational settings.
This project will bring together therapists and educational professionals to work together to plan, collaborate, and share their professional knowledge and expertise to more efficiently support greater numbers of pupils in school environments, where there are often large concentrations of need.
In February 2019, the Government approved the trialling of the Model for the 2019/20 school year. Initially designed as a one year pilot involving up to 75 participating schools in the CHO 7 region, it was interrupted by Covid-19 with the closure of schools. It was then extended to the 2020/21 school year which has also been interrupted by Covid.
Progress has been made on aspects of the Model but much remains to be done in terms of in-school implementation and evaluation.
As part of the 2021 Budget measures, funding is being made available to extend the School Inclusion Model to two other areas in 2021.
Planning is now underway for the resumption and evaluation of the SIM in CHO 7 area from next September and to plan for the phased implementation in two other CH areas.
