John Lahart
Ceist:264. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education if she plans to expand the summer school programme for students with additional needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12169/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 9 March 2023
Ceisteanna (264)
Freagraí scríofa
My Department announced the 2023 Summer Programme on the 9th February 2023. This follows the previous announcement on 17th October 2022 that additional funding was secured in Budget 2023 to run the programme to match the investment in 2021 and 2022, bringing the total funding available to €40m.
The terms for the 2023 programme are being implemented following a comprehensive review and engagement with education partners and stakeholders since last summer, including the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Autism.
Once again, all schools will have an opportunity to run a programme for those children that need it the most. This year’s programme will build on the progress that has been made over the last number of years, which has seen participation of children grow from 13,000 in 2019 to over 42,000 in 2022.
The central theme for this year’s programme is, ‘Building Confidence and Connections’. The primary aim of this theme is to help our children and young people to realise their potential, to be resilient in dealing with the normal stresses of their lives, to take care of their physical wellbeing and to have a sense of purpose, connection and belonging to their school community.
The main priority in 2023 is that those children with the most complex special educational needs, especially in special schools, should have access to a school-based summer programme. The Department has engaged with management bodies, schools and parents with a view to encouraging more schools to participate in the 2023 programme. Schools are given flexibility to engage staff that are not currently employed in their schools to support their summer programme. A portal is also available for teachers and SNAs to register their interest in working on a school based programme in a special school. This portal went live on the 1st March 2023 on www.educationposts.ie. Student teachers and students in relevant disciplines such as therapy, social care and nursing and others, including early childcare workers and carers, will also be able to register their interest in working on this year’s Programme. This year, the Primary School Scheme combines the Inclusion Programme and Special Class elements from last year into one cohesive scheme for mainstream primary school bring a more targeted approach for children with special educational needs.
This year also introduces a new adjustment to the scheme for special schools. This programme has been designed and developed to ensure supports and funding are targeted to enhance the availability of a school-based programme for pupils in special schools. A National Coordinator has been appointed to liaise with special schools to help facilitate them in running a programme.
In addition, there are two in-school schemes at mainstream primary level and one at post primary:-
- The Primary School Scheme for pupils in all primary mainstream schools.
- The DEIS expanded literacy and numeracy summer camp/campaí samhraidh for pupils in DEIS primary schools.
- The Post-Primary Scheme for students with complex special educational needs and those at risk of educational disadvantage.
Further supports that will facilitate schools run a school based programme 2023:
- School Organiser Role - In 2023, instead of preparation hours, there will be a dedicated role of School Organiser in each school offering the summer programme. The School Organiser will receive additional remuneration for their role. This is envisaged to be a key leadership role that will offer development opportunities for staff in schools.Summer Programme Manager
- In all schools (mainstream and special), the role that was previously called the Overseer will now be called the Summer Programme Manager.
- Staff training – This year there will be information and training session provided to all schools, including special schools, which will provided guidance and training.
- Length of school day for special schools - the length of the day for children’s activities is being reduced from the full school day to 10am – 2pm or alternate hours which best fits the school’s need. Four hours of activities for children must be provided each day, this again recognises the challenges associated with running the programme in a special school.
- Flexibility in Weeks - The weeks schools run a programme do not have to be consecutive, the scheme is flexible to allow schools choose weeks which best suit their needs and staff availability.
- Continuation of 2022 supports - Other enhanced measures from last year will continue to encourage schools’ participation, including a Centralised Application Process to reduce admin burden on schools, earlier payment of school staff and an additional capitation to cover the running costs of the scheme, as well as enhanced capitation for special schools.
Helpline support has been available to schools since the launch of the programme. The online registration portals for Primary, Post-Primary and Special Schools opened on 01 March 2023. Participating schools can request additional resources from the Department to run their programme.
A Home-based programme will be available once again for pupils with complex special education needs where their school is not running a Summer Programme or a place on a school-based programme is unavailable.