Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 April 2024
1678. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will acknowledge that in Youthreach Centres students are allowed "movement breaks" as advocated by the National Council for Special Education NCSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13625/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn October 2020, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) issued a resource for Post Primary Schools on Movement breaks in the classroom.
Youthreach allows appropriate time and support to all learners during classroom activities to ensure adequate movement is facilitated. Movement after a period of seated learning is encouraged to improve concentration in all classroom settings and Youthreach co-ordinators support this practice.
Learners, as part of the Youthreach programme develop an individual action plan. This plan is reviewed regularly during their individual mentoring sessions, a learner can add or remove any requests to assist their learning during their time at Youthreach. If an extra movement break is required, this could be identified in their plan and facilitated during the programme day.
