3rd June 2021
Members are advised that the closing date for schools to register an expression of interest in the 2021 Summer Provision Programmes has been extended to Friday, 25 June. Information on how to apply is available here.
The Department has released an informational video to give an overview of the Summer Programme for 2021 at primary level. Please visit INTO’s updated informational page on Summer Programmes 2021 to view this video and other relevant information, including FAQs.
The Department of Education recently announced the provision of expanded summer education programmes for students with complex special educational needs and those at greatest risk of educational disadvantage — as a COVID-19 pandemic response measure — for summer 2021. Under the expanded scheme, students with complex special educational needs and those who are at the greatest risk of educational disadvantage will have access to an enhanced summer programme of education.
The programme aims to support pupils to: re-engage with education, build their confidence, 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.
Compared to last year, the INTO understands that up to 7,500 additional teachers will be needed to provide the programmes over the summer. Final year students may apply for registration with the Teaching Council when they have received their examination results and vetting certificates and they may work on the programme while their applications for Teaching Council registration are being processed.
Where the school-based programme is not available for pupils with complex needs, the home-based programme will continue to be available.
The INTO made representations to the Department to ensure that their proposed Summer Programmes for 2021 would prove more attractive for some members who wish to volunteer to work as teachers or overseers and that the revamped programmes include paid preparation time, less administration, more flexibility, higher funding, appropriate support and guidance materials, improved pay and quicker processing of pay claims.
Further information is available via our COVID Hub updated informational page on Summer Programmes 2021.