Marc MacSharry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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523. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the plans for the July provision programme 2022 for a school (details supplied) in County Sligo; if a pupil attending that school who availed of the programme up until Covid-19 restrictions were implemented will be able to avail of the programme this summer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23325/22]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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Earlier this month, the Government announced the 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 programmes on offer this summer include:

- Inclusion Programme (Primary) for all primary schools (2-3 weeks programmes) for mainstream pupils with complex needs and those at greatest risk of educational disadvantage.

- Special Classes and Special School Programme in primary (2-5 weeks programmes).

- DEIS Numeracy and literacy Camps/Campaí Samhraidh in DEIS primary schools (one week per camp)

- Inclusion Programme (Post-Primary) for all post-primary schools (2 weeks) for students with complex needs and those at greatest risk of educational disadvantage

- Home based provision for students with complex needs where no school-based programme is available (4 weeks – 40 hours)

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 requirements. 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.

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.

- Provision to recruit final year student teachers graduating this summer and Route 5 undergraduate student teachers.

- Guidance, Information and support will be provided to schools to help design and deliver the programmes.

- 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.

However, the Department also recognises that not all schools will be in a position to provide a school-based programme, so a home-based programme continues to be available for students with complex needs where the school-based programme is unavailable. It is important that the home-based programme provides support for the education and/or care needs of students with complex needs during the summer break period.

Under the home-based programme grant funding is made available so that parents/legal guardians can engage the services of a teacher or an SNA to provide tuition or care support as appropriate in the child’s home. Schools are requested to provide parents with the contact details of a teacher/SNA where possible.

The NCSE have compiled a non-exhaustive list of private home tutor services and online platforms who may advertise for tutors for the 2022 Summer Programme and published it on their website.

Additionally the Irish Primary Principals Network has created a Summer Programme Noticeboard for teachers and SNAs to advertise their availability for the programme. Parents can also post notices on the board to source suitable candidates.

My 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.