Information on Supplementary Programme announced by DES

Hi Everyone,

Last night the DES announced that they are setting up an ‘In-person Supplementary Programme to Support the Education and/or Care Needs of Pupils with Complex Needs’ scheme. Participation in the programme is voluntary for families, teachers and SNAs and must be delivered in accordance with public health advice.

We are still waiting on updated guidelines from the DES but we have tried to answer some of the questions we have received so far below. More information is available on last night’s DES press release here: https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/6f91d-ministers-foley-and-madigan-welcome-agreed-plan-for-return-to-in-school-learning-for-children-with-special-educational-needs-at-primary-level/

 

What is the Supplementary Programme?

  • Parents can engage SNA’s/teachers to work in a student’s home, at evenings and weekends, outside of school hours.

  • An allocation of five hours per week of home-based teaching or care supports will be made available to eligible pupils. The DES has sanctioned this to happen over 4 weeks (20 hours to be divided up as suits)

  • This allocation is intended to supplement, and not replace, the remote teaching provided by the pupil’s school and can be provided by a teacher or SNA

How long will it last?

  • It can be a 4 week programme, starting any time from 11th Feb, to be finished by the end of April.

Who is eligible?

  • All pupils enrolled in special schools and special classes in primary schools

  • Pupils in mainstream schools who are accessing the highest levels of support in school at the School Support Plus/Support for a Few stage of the Continuum of Support (including pupils with Autism, Down syndrome, sensory impairments, and other disabilities.) 

I am unsure if my child is eligible. How do I find out?

  • Check with your child’s teacher, send a Dojo message to Múinteor Maria, or a private message to our Facebook page if you want to find out if your child is eligible for this program.

I am interested in accessing this program. How do I find a teacher or SNA to work with my child?

  • Similar to the department’s home based summer programme, parents will engage tutors/SNAs directly in a private arrangement.

  • If a parent does not know any teachers or SNA’s who are available for this programme, or is having difficulty finding someone for the programme - you can contact Múinteoir Maria on Dojo. If possible, with your permission, I can try to share your contact details or put you in touch with any teachers or SNAs who are interested in participating in the program.

Kind regards,

Maria