Fianna Fail education spokesperson Senator Fiona O’Loughlin has welcomed the announcement of a €40m summer programme for pupils with complex special educational needs and those at greatest risk of educational disadvantage
Building on the successful 2021 programme, all schools (primary and post-primary) will once again be encouraged to provide summer programmes including post-primary children with complex needs and children at risk of educational disadvantage.
Senator O’Loughlin said, “Summer programmes are a key element in delivering a high-quality education for students with additional needs or are at risk of disadvantage.”
“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. I hope that these changes, which were spearheaded by my colleague Minister for Education Norma Foley TD will make a meaningful difference for students on the ground in South Kildare.”
Fiona concluded by saying “Importantly, this year the programme also offers an opportunity for schools to address the needs of migrant students such as addressing English language skills and integration, including students who have recently arrived in Ireland from Ukraine. I would really encourage all local schools to engage with this key educational service.”
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