It is acknowledged that the closure of schools for extended periods on two separate occasions, over the past two years, due to COVID restrictions, has meant that this has been a very difficult period for our young people and students.
These difficulties were often even more pronounced for students who have disabilities, or special educational needs, who often found it harder to fully participate with remote education.
It is for this reason that Government, confirmed that special education should be a priority as part of school reopening earlier this year with special schools and special classes being prioritised for the earliest stages of school reopening.
In addition to prioritising pupils with special educational needs to return to school, my Department has also provided for a range of measures to support such pupils while out of school. This included measures to support the provision of teaching support during the school closure period and a supplementary education scheme.
All schools reopened on 12 April. Priority was then given to planning for an expanded summer programme. There was extensive consultation with stakeholders with a particular focus on the barriers to school participation. Steps were taken to address issues identified including the provision of paid planning and preparation time, flexibility on the timing, reduced administrative burden, increased guidance and support and arrangements to pay teachers and SNAs earlier.
The arrangements for an expanded summer programme for 2021 were announced in May some weeks ahead of last year with a budget of €40m. Under the 2021 programme, students with complex special educational needs and those at greatest risk of educational disadvantage will have access to an enhanced summer programme of education.
Participation by schools, teachers and SNAs is voluntary.
A home based strand is available for children with complex needs as in previous years. Support and information has been provided to help parents in securing a tutor.
The closing date for school registration for the programme was 25 June. The following table provides data on the number of schools registered for the special education programme at this time and comparative figures for 2020.
|
|
2020
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2021
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|
Special Schools
|
35
|
48
|
|
Special Classes
|
224
|
360
|
Information on the actual level of take up will only become available when applications for funding are received when the programmes are complete probably September/October period.
In line with policy advice received from the NCSE, a review of the July Provision was commenced in 2019 but was paused due to Covid but will get underway again shortly.
