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Special Educational Needs

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 July 2021

Thursday, 8 July 2021

Ceisteanna (227, 228, 229, 230)

Pauline Tully

Ceist:

227. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Education the capital and current funding that was allocated to the school-based summer July provision programme of education for children with complex needs in 2019, 2020 and to date in 2021, respectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36983/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Pauline Tully

Ceist:

228. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Education the estimated additional cost of increasing funding for the school-based summer July provision programme of education for children with complex needs by 5%, 10% and 25% respectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36984/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Pauline Tully

Ceist:

229. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Education the estimated additional cost of increasing funding for the home-based summer July provision programme of education for children with complex needs disabilities by 5%, 10% and 25% respectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36985/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Pauline Tully

Ceist:

230. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Education the number of schools taking part in the summer July provision programme 2021; the number of schools not taking part in the programme 2021; the number of schools providing a full programme in 2021; the number of schools providing a partial programme in 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36986/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 227, 228, 229 and 230 together.

In May 2021 the Government announced an expanded summer programme to allow primary and post-primary schools to offer a summer programme for students with complex special educational needs and those at greatest risk of educational disadvantage.

The total funding available to provide summer programmes this year is up to €40 million, a one hundred per cent increase on the allocation for summer programmes in 2020.

The programme was developed following extensive engagement with education stakeholders, parent and disability advocacy groups.

The programme aims are to support pupils to maintain their connection with education, to build their confidence and increase their motivation, promote wellbeing and for those who are at key transition stages, helping to ensure they continue their education journey in September either in school or in further/higher education or training.

The programmes on offer this summer include a new 2-3 week summer programme available to all primary schools and an expansion of the existing programmes in special schools and classes and in DEIS schools.

Existing programmes:

- Numeracy and literacy camps in DEIS primary schools (one week per camp)

- School based summer programme in primary special classes and special schools (2-5 weeks)

- Home based provision for students with complex needs where no school-based programme is available (4 weeks – 40 hours)

New programmes:

- All primary schools have the opportunity to provide a 2-3 week summer programme for mainstream pupils with complex needs and those at greatest risk of educational disadvantage.

- All Post-Primary Schools have the opportunity to provide a 2 week summer programme for students with complex needs and those at greatest risk of educational disadvantage

Similar to last year children with complex needs entering primary school next September are also eligible to participate in summer programmes.

This range of programmes on offer builds on the success of the expanded programmes that ran last year and incorporates feedback from education stakeholders as to how to better support the programme for all involved in summer 2021.

In 2019, the total cost of the July Provision programme was €15.8m. Of this, €5.7m was allocated to the school-based programme, and 9.8m was spent on the home-based programme. The remainder was spent on DEIS literacy and numeracy camps at primary level.

In 2020 the total cost of the expanded Summer Programme was €20.4million. Of this, €6.5 million was allocated to the school-based programme and €12.3 million was spent on the home-based programme. The remainder was spent on the DEIS literacy and numeracy camp at primary level and a new DEIS post-primary programme.

Increasing the cost of the school-based programme by 5%, 10% and 25% of the 2020 figure would bring this figure to €6.825m, €7.15m and €8.125m respectively.

Increasing the cost of the home-based programme by 5%, 10% and 25% on the 2020 figure would bring this figure to €12.915m, €13.53m and €15.375m respectively.

The total funding which has been made available to provide the expanded summer programme in 2021 is up to €40 million. Details of the actual costs of running the school-based programme will be available in October, while the details of the costs of running the home-based programme will be available in November. Details of the total costs for 2021 will not be known until the participation rates have been finalised.

For the purpose of the school-based summer programme for 2021, schools registered their interest on an online portal. Some schools had the option of registering for up to three programmes. The closing date for registrations was 25 June 2021. The indicative figures for school registrations as of this closing date is broken down as follows:

Post primary (no of schemes propsed to be run)

Inclusion programme

Special Classes

120

4

A total of 124 post primary schools have registered

Primary (number of schemes proposed to be run)

Special Class programme

Special School

Inclusion programme

DEIS Primary School Literacy and Numeracy Camps

356

48

466

352*

A total of 844 primary schools (including special schools) have registered as providing at least one scheme.

Totals

Total Post-Primary Schemes

Total Schemes run by Primary Schools

Total Schemes

124

1222

1346

A total of 968 primary and post primary schools have registered.

The actual number of schools participating and the number of weeks provided will not be known until the programmes have completed and all claim forms have been received and processed, which is expected by October.

Question No. 228 answered with Question No. 227.
Question No. 229 answered with Question No. 227.
Question No. 230 answered with Question No. 227.
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