New summer school programmes for kids with extra needs announced

Minister of State for Special Education and Inclusion and Dublin Rathdown TD Josepha Madigan has announced new, expanded summer education programmes for pupils with complex special educational needs.

The total funding for the programme is up to €40 million, a 100% increase on the allocation for summer provision in 2020.

The programme’s aims is to “support pupils to re-engage with education, to build their confidence and increase their motivation, promote wellbeing and for some who are at key transition stages, help to ensure they can move on to their planned educational placement next September along with their peers,” according to the Department of Education.

“For the first time ever, all schools (primary and-post primary) are encouraged to provide summer programmes and the eligibility criteria have been extended to include post-primary children with complex needs and children at risk of educational disadvantage.

“Prior to this expansion summer programmes were only available to special schools and pupils in special classes in primary schools and in DEIS schools.

“Today’s announcement marks a recognition of the value of such school-based programmes for children with complex needs and those at risk of educational disadvantage in all schools.”

The department says that a home-based summer programme will continue to be made available for children with complex needs but their school is not providing an in-school programme.

Minister Josepha Madigan said: “This is an important announcement for young people with additional needs and young people facing educational disadvantage.

“It is the largest summer programme there has ever been and for the first time, every student with complex needs across all primary and post-primary schools will be eligible to take part.

“This is something that I have sought to put in place and I welcome the decision to make this expanded programme a reality.

“We know it has been a very difficult year for students with additional needs who might not have been able to engage with remote learning.

“Parents and families have been worried about regression and loss of key skills.

“Having visited schools hosting summer programmes in previous years, I have seen first-hand the positive benefits that it brings.

“This summer, all students in special schools, special classes, and those with complex needs in mainstream schools will be eligible to participate in a summer programme.

“This is the first time that all schools will be eligible to host a summer programme and I urge all schools to do so. It is a very worthwhile opportunity for young people.

“The summer programme has become an important part of special education provision in Ireland.

“I am delighted that this year’s programme recognises the diversity of needs that exists in Ireland, across our special schools, special classes, and mainstream classes.

“This programme and the funding that goes with it, demonstrates the commitment of the Government to backing special education and ensuring that every student gets the support they need.”

The four key strands of the programme are: Numeracy and literacy camps in DEIS primary schools, special classes in primary schools, home-based provisions where no school programmes are available, and all schools to having the opportunity to provide a two-week summer programme for pupils with extra needs.