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Special Educational Needs

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 July 2021

Tuesday, 13 July 2021

Ceisteanna (410)

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

410. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Education the number of schools which participated in the summer provision annually since 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37415/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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

- School based summer programme in primary  special  classes and special schools

- Home based provision for students with complex  needs where no school-based programme is available.

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

Between 2015 and 2020, the number of schools which participated in the school-based programme for Special Schools and Special Classes is broken down as follows:

                        Year  

   2015  

   2016  

   2017  

   2018  

   2019  

   2020  

   Year  

   2015  

   2016  

   2017  

   2018  

   2019  

   2020  

Special   Schools/Schools with Special Classes

191

208

219

241

232

255

For the expanded summer programme 2021, some schools will have the opportunity to run up to three schemes.  The information currently available represents indicative figures based on registration data:

Post primary (no of schemes being run)

                  Inclusion programme     

      *Special Classes      

      Inclusion programme     

      *Special Classes      

120

4

 *Note: only 4 schools take part at Post primary as part of an historical pilot.

 Primary (number of schemes being run)

      Special Class programme     

      Special School     

      Inclusion programme     

      DEIS Primary School Literacy   and Numeracy    Camps     

      Special Class programme        

      Special School     

      Inclusion programme     

      DEIS Primary School Literacy      and Numeracy Camps     

356

48

466

352*

*Note (230 schools have registered, 352 schemes are being run as 122 schools are running the camp twice).

Totals

      Total Post-Primary Schemes     

      Total Schemes run by Primary   Schools     

      Total Schemes      

      Total Post-Primary    Schemes     

      Total Schemes run by    Primary   Schools      

      Total Schemes      

124

1222

1346

*Note: 844 primary schools have been registered for schemes some have registered for more than one scheme.

The figures noted above for 2021 are based on the number of schools which have advised that they intend to run summer programmes. The Actual numbers of schools participating in the Summer Programme 2021 will not be known until all the claim forms have been submitted and returned to the Department, which is expected to be in September. 

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