Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 June 2022
87. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Education the supports that are in place for schools to administer the summer programme 2022; the expected take-up; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34979/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraBuilding on the last year’s summer programme all primary and post primary schools can offer a programme. In line with last year’s funding, there is up to €40 million available to provide for this year’s programme.
A key objective of this year’s scheme is to increase the number of schools offering the summer programme to their students. Steps have been taken to afford schools as much flexibility as possible, and to ease administrative burdens. This year there is provision to recruit newly qualified teachers graduating this summer as well as undergraduate student teachers who have registered with the Teaching Council under Route 5.
To support and facilitate schools and principals with organising and running the programme, the 2022 Summer Programme allows principals to delegate these functions to other members of staff through the Overseer role and preparation hours. The Overseer and preparation roles provide an exciting personal opportunity for teachers to develop their leadership skills and experience with recognition at a whole-school level.
Capitation funding and preparation hours are provided to schools who participate in the programme, with additional funding and hours provided to schools that run the Special Class and Special School Programme. Further funding has since been made available to Special Schools, in recognition of the extra complexities in running programmes in their schools.
This year, for the first time, there will be an online claims system for schools to submit payments details for those staff taking part in the school based summer programme. This will provide for faster and more streamlined payments to staff.
In addition, with the assistance of the National Association of Management Boards in Special Education (NAMBSE), the Department and Inspectorate recently hosted a webinar for Special Schools and provided a presentation on the supports and benefits of running a school based summer programme. The presentation focused on the positive outcomes for students that participated in the 2021 programme.
While the number of special schools and classes taking part has risen over the last 2 years, we want to continue this growth in participation further. The Department will continue to work with all stakeholders to support parents in accessing summer provision and with schools to ensure that they have the resources and supports necessary to successfully run these programmes.
Currently, it still remains open for schools to contact the Department in respect of the Summer Programme. The final numbers participating in the Summer Programme will not be available until after the programme concludes. However it is anticipated there will be an increase in the number of schools with over 1,000 schools indicating they are taking part compared to 945 in 2021. The number of children taking part will only be known when the programmes have been completed.
