David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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198. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he has given consideration to facilitating preschools to take part in the July provision service, especially in areas where demand for places exceeds supply; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26061/24]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Details of the 2024 Summer Programme (formerly July Provision) were published on 21 March 2024. Funding of €40m is available and, as in previous years, all of the funding is utilised to meet the needs of our most vulnerable children.

All primary, post primary and special schools have an opportunity to run a programme over the summer months for those children who need it the most. These children can continue to be supported, nurtured and encouraged to engage in a fun and inclusive educational setting.

The main priority again in 2024 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 Summer Programme is reliant on schools and their staff choosing to participate on a voluntary basis. Where a school is not running a Summer Programme or a place on a school-based programme is unavailable, the Home-based programme remains available for pupils with complex special educational needs.

Under the Home-based Summer programme, grant funding is made available so that parents/legal guardians can engage the services of a teacher or a SNA to provide tuition or care support as appropriate in the child’s home.

The Department will also approve a group arrangement between parents/legal guardians and private providers, such as preschools, subject to full compliance with the published terms and conditions for group arrangements and prior approval having been granted by the Department. The group provider must be sourced and procured by the parents/legal guardians.

Further information on the terms and conditions applicable to private group providers can be found on the Home-based Summer Programme webpage at . A Department helpline is available for schools and parents at 090 648 4292 to address any specific queries regarding this year’s Summer Programme. Queries concerning the Home-based scheme can also be directed to the .