26th May 2021
The Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) has received a clarification from the Department of Education in respect of staffing allocations for the forthcoming summer programmes, which also issued to schools this morning.
Following guidance issued last week, and queries raised in relation to staffing allocations, the Department has this morning clarified the following.
The staffing allocations (teachers and SNAs) for special class and special school programmes are unchanged and are the same as those provided during the school year.
In the case of schools who are running the new summer programme for mainstream students with complex needs and those at risk of educational disadvantage, these schools can form groups of ‘up to’ 12 students supported by one teacher and one SNA.
Schools can apply for additional teaching and SNA support where there are more than 6 children with complex special educational needs within the proposed groups of 12 participants. The process to seek that additional support is outlined in the guidance documentation and through the online registration process.
The INTO organised a webinar for principal teachers, held on Wednesday, 26 May, which is now available to watch online. The Department and the INTO will publish FAQ documents on Summer Provision in the coming days. Please see our Member Update for latest relevant information.
Should any member have a query in respect of the summer programme, they are advised to email schoolsummerprogramme@education.gov.ie or call 090 648 4292.