Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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The Department recently announced details of the 2023 Summer Programme on 9 February 2023. All schools, once again, have an opportunity to run a programme for those children for whom the support would be most beneficial. The main priority in 2023 continues to be those children with the most complex special educational needs, especially in special schools, should have access to a school-based summer programme.

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. The Department has listened to the feedback and designed this year's programme to encourage even more participation by schools and staff.

This year’s school based programme is open to pupils enrolled in special schools, special classes, pupils who have complex special educational needs in mainstream classes and those who are most at risk of educational disadvantage.

The Summer Programme is reliant on schools, teachers and SNAs choosing to participate on a voluntary basis. The Department therefore recognises that not all schools will be in a position to provide a school-based programme. Where their school is not running a Summer Programme or a place on a school-based programme is unavailable, a home-based programme is available for pupils with complex special educational needs

It is expected that, in most instances, parents will seek the services of a registered teacher to implement a programme of learning. Alternatively, some parents may choose to avail of the services of an SNA to provide a programme of care to a child who meets the eligibility criteria. In these circumstances, parents are advised to engage with their child’s school on the additional care supports which are included in their Personal Pupil Plan (PPP) and which could be provided by the SNA for the summer programme.

Under the home-based programme, grant funding is made available so that parents/legal guardians can determine the most appropriate provision required for their child, as outline above, during the summer months. The role of the teacher and SNA are distinct where a teacher is to provide tuition and an SNA provides care support as appropriate.

Circular 30/2014, outlines the role of an SNA in a school context. The following are examples of care needs which the SNA may assist with in the home environment under the direction of the parent/legal guardian:

• Assistance to attend or participate in recreational activities, walks, or community-based outings.
• Assistance with mobility and orientation: where a child with special needs requires adult assistance.
• Implementing activities drawn, as appropriate, from the plan for the child

Teachers and SNAs are paid per hour for tuition/care support delivered in line with agreed terms and public service pay agreements. Public service pay is dealt with through centralised engagement and collective bargaining between Government and the public service unions.

Supporting documentation for the home-based programme, including a detailed Overview document for parents/teachers/SNAs has been published on www.gov.ie/summerprogramme.