Written answers

Tuesday, 30 June 2020

Department of Education and Skills

Special Educational Needs

Photo of Róisín ShortallRóisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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197. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason children that have Down's syndrome, are deaf or blind or have a moderate general learning disability are excluded from the July provision in the case of a pupil that is transitioning into mainstream primary school or that is in a mainstream post-primary school. [13270/20]

Photo of Norma FoleyNorma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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My Department published details of Summer Provision 2020 – Reconnecting with Education including a programme for children with complex special educational needs.

The programme is a significant expansion on the July Provision programme of previous years with the eligibility criteria widened to include approximately 9,000 additional primary aged children with complex needs.

The programme aims to ensure, in so far as possible, that these children can reintegrate/transition into their planned education setting for the next school year with their peers. 

In-school or home-based supports by teachers and SNAs will help to prevent regression among children with complexspecial educational needs. 

The eligibility criteria includes the following categories of children:

1. Pupils with a diagnosis of Autism

2. Pupils with severe and profound learning difficulties

3. Any child in special schoolor a special class in a Primary School

4. Children transitioning into a special class or special school from early year’s settings

5. Pupils in primary school mainstream classes who present with the following disabilities:

- Children with Down syndrome

- Children who are Deaf or most severe hard of hearing

- Children who are blind or have a most severe visual impairment

- Children who have a moderate general learning disability

- Children with severe emotional behavioural difficulties

Funding for summer provision is not available in respect of children who are not covered by the programme criteria. A child must meet at least one of the eligibility criteria.

If a Parent is in doubt about their child’s eligibility, they should consult their child’s school or contact my Department. Contact details are available on my Departments website

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