Press release
Ministers Foley and Naughton welcome the continued increase in number of schools running a Summer Programme
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Minister for Education Norma Foley TD and Minister of State for Special Education and Inclusion Hildegarde Naughton TD have today welcomed the increase in the number of schools who have registered to run a Summer Programme in 2024.
More than 1,700 individual expressions of interest have been received from schools seeking to run this year’s Summer Programme – representing the highest-ever uptake of the Summer Programme. Over 1,400 schools participated in the programme in 2023.
Of the schools registered for the 2024 Summer Programme to date, there are:
• 1,475 primary schools – up 19 per cent on 2023
• 205 post-primary schools – up 28 per cent on 2023
• 72 special schools – up 22 per cent on 2023 and 85 per cent on 2022. It is further anticipated that the increase in the number of children taking part in these schools will be even higher.
The increase in registrations continues the positive upward trend in participation seen in the summer programmes over the last number of years. Over 50,000 children took part in the summer programme last year, compared to 13,000 in 2019.
Details of the 2024 Summer Programme were announced in March 2024 to ensure that a comprehensive summer programme would be available in 2024.
Minister Foley said:
“I am delighted to see so many schools having registered again for the Summer Programme this year. The programme’s success owes a great deal to the unwavering commitment of school leaders, teachers and SNAs, especially those in special schools, who generously contribute their time to making the Summer Programme a success.
“This continued uptake shows that the many supportive and innovative measures that have been introduced to incentivise schools to take part are working effectively. Every school has a chance to run a programme over the summer months, which is particularly significant for those children and young people with the greatest need. It is critically important that these children can continue to be supported, nurtured, and encouraged to engage in a fun and inclusive educational setting.”
Minister Naughton said:
“I wish to thank schools for engaging in the Summer Programme as it has been evident that running such a programme does make a positive difference to the wellbeing and confidence of the children who take part, both during the summer and on their return to school. I am particularly happy to see another large increase in the number of special schools taking part to help support the most vulnerable children. Special education remains a priority for this government.”
The primary focus of the Summer Programme in 2024 is to ensure that those children with the most complex special educational needs, especially in special schools, should have access to a school-based summer programme.
Initiatives and supports provided to assist schools in running a programme are as follows:
- A new role of Student Teacher Placement has been introduced to boost capacity and to provide support to special schools in running a programme. In promoting this role, the department aims to enrich the knowledge of student teachers of working in a special school environment, offer them valuable hands-on experience and prepare them for future roles as educators. Paid placements can run from mid-May to the end of the programme, greatly benefitting schools during this busy period.
- A collaborative effort between one special school and a university will also take place this year. Here, Munster Technological University will host a Summer Programme this year where the teaching staff of one special school will be supported by university students to deliver the programme. It is hoped that this type of collaborative partnership can be utilised as a model in coming years.
- An obstacle to school participation previously has been the limited availability of experienced staff. In 2023, a higher personal rate of pay was paid teachers and SNAs working on the school-based scheme. Subsequently, the department saw an increased number of schools taking part, particularly in primary schools and special schools, and it is anticipated that this trend will continue again in 2024.
- To supplement staffing numbers, schools can engage the services of external staff. To assist schools, a staff portal is available on www.educationposts.ie. Teachers, SNAs and students in disciplines like Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Social Care, Nursing and others, including Early Learning and Care Practitioners, can register their interest in working on this year’s Programme.
Supports continuing from 2023 include:
- This year, the pilot programme which was developed specifically for special schools in 2023 is continuing again. This programme has been designed and developed to ensure supports and funding are targeted to enhance the availability of a school-based programme for pupils in special schools. As part of this pilot, a National Coordinator has been assigned to work with special schools and to assist them in running a programme.
- Length of school day for special schools on the Summer Programme has been shortened from the full school day to 10am – 2pm with the same daily rate being paid to staff taking part. This is in recognition of the challenges associated with running the programme in a special school.
- Key leadership roles, designed to offer development opportunities to school staff, are available on the Summer Programme such as the School Organiser role and the Summer Programme Manager role. Depending on the type of school, the School Organiser will be paid either €2,000 or €3,000. The Manager will receive the enhanced personal rate of pay.
- Flexible grant funding. Additional grant funding of €2,000 will be provided for each week that a special school provides a school-based Summer Programme. This is reflective of the unique circumstances that arise in a special school during the summer months.
- Where transport to and from the Summer Programme is identified as a barrier for some children to attend the programme, schools can make their own local transport arrangements and can claim up to a maximum of €1,750 per week. Children with special educational needs continue to have access to the Department’s school transport during the Summer Programme.
Other enhanced measures already in place include:
- A Centralised Application Process to reduce the admin burden on schools.
- Earlier payment of school staff.
- Additional capitation that, when compared to normal school capitation, is significantly more favourable.
Where a school is not running a Summer Programme or a place on a school-based programme is unavailable, the home-based programme is also available for pupils with complex special educational needs. Details of the home-based programme, including full details on the eligibility criteria, were issued to schools directly on the 29 May 2024.
Information on the 2024 Summer Programme is available here Summer Programme 2024 .
The table in the PDF below shows increased participation rates of schools in the Summer Programme since 2021.
