Earlier 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.
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 range of programmes on offer this summer include the Special Classes and Special School Programme, which can be run from 2-5 weeks.
Enhanced measures have been put in place to encourage participation of schools. These include:
- A Centralised Application Process to reduce admin burden on schools.
- Provision of funding to schools towards preparation and overseeing of the programmes, with additional preparation hours allocated to special classes and special schools.
- Provision to recruit final year student teachers graduating this summer and Route 5 undergraduate student teachers.
- Earlier payment of school staff will be facilitated
- Capitation Grant Funding will be provided to cover the running costs of the scheme including enhanced capitation for special schools and classes.
Through NAMBSE the Department and Inspectorate recently hosted a webinar for special schools and provided a presentation on supports and benefits of running a school based summer programme including the positive outcomes for students that participated in the 2021 programme.
