A new expanded programme for children and young people with special needs and students in DEIS schools will take place this summer.

Summer Provision 2020 will involve three strands with different options for parents, students and schools.

  1. In-school or home-based supports by teachers and SNAs to help prevent regression among children with special needs;
  2. An opportunity for all 890 DEIS schools to provide summer camps, including a numeracy and literacy programme for primary pupils and a programme of re-engagement for post-primary students;
  3. HSE-led programme to provide summer camp type supports to up to 1,200 children with complex needs.

The Programme will help a wide range of children and young people with special needs will including those with severe and profound and moderate needs, to those with autism, Down syndrome, and those with severe visual or hearing impairment.

Covid-19 has been challenging for everyone but in particular families with children and young people with special or additional needs. The disruption to routine and the break in schooling has been especially difficult. Schools, teachers, SNAs and other staff members have adapted to continue to work and support children and young people in spite of the school closures. With the Summer Provision for 2020 we can help address the loss of in-school time and learning.

I am informed that if possible, school transport will be provided to support the programme where appropriate. The Government is also finalising plans to provide the Schools Meals Programme for schools taking part in Summer Provision 2020.

I encourage anyone who wishes to register their child for Summer Provision to do so via the dedicated online registration system for families of children with special needs, at gov.ie/summerprovision.