Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 May 2022
497. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education if she plans to cater to a broad cohort of students under the July Provision scheme as was the case in 2021; if she is seeking to expand the criteria for eligibility and the number of schools participating; when applications for the July provision programme will open; the details of the application process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22830/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraEarlier this month, the Government announced this year's Summer Programme to allow all 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. My Department has issued an information pack to all schools on this year's programme and it is currently open for schools to apply.
The total funding available to provide summer programmes this year is up to €40 million.
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:
- Inclusion Programme (Primary) for all primary schools (2-3 weeks programmes) for mainstream pupils with complex needs and those at greatest risk of educational disadvantage.
- Special Classes and Special School Programme in primary (2-5 weeks programmes)
- DEIS Numeracy and literacy Camps/Campaí Samhraidh in DEIS primary schools (one week per camp)
- Inclusion Programme (Post-Primary) for all post-primary schools (2 weeks) for students with complex needs and those at greatest risk of educational disadvantage
- Home based provision for students with complex needs where no school-based programme is available (4 weeks – 40 hours)
Similar to last year children with complex needs entering primary school next September are also eligible to participate in summer programmes.
The supports to support this range of programmes builds on the success last year and incorporates feedback from education stakeholders as to how to better support the programme for all involved in summer 2022.
The Department has addressed concerns previously raised by stakeholders by introducing measures to support schools to encourage schools to offer the programme; funding for a Programme Overseer, preparation time, faster payments of staff, ease of administrative burden on schools and greater guidance materials on programme content.
The programmes can be run at any time over the summer providing schools with autonomy to split the programme weeks to best meet the needs of pupils and staff participating in the programme.
A home-based summer programme will be available for students with complex special educational needs where schools are not providing a school-based programme. Information on the application process for the home-based programme will issue to schools this week.
Further information on the Summer Programme can be found www.gov.ie/summerprogramme.
