In-person supplementary programme to support remote education

Despite the provision of remote teaching and learning by schools, there is a widespread concern that the lack of in-person support for learning may lead to regression in students with complex needs.

Therefore, there is good reason to offer an in-person supplementary programme to those students with complex needs at post primary level to alleviate the impact of this period of school closure.

It is intended that this programme would be provided by teachers or SNAs on a voluntary but paid basis to enhance the learning experience for these students and build on the learning taking place as part of the remote provision by the school.

How will In-Person Support operate?

This supplementary programme of in-person support is intended to supplement the teaching and learning provided by the student’s school and alleviate the impact of this period of school closure through provision of an additional 5 hours per week of home based in-person tuition or care support.

These hours supplement existing school provision therefore they cannot be delivered during the school day. They can however be delivered outside of the normal school day and/or at weekends.

As this will be a supplementary programme, it is voluntary for students, families, teachers and SNAs to participate.

Similar to the Department’s home based summer programme, parents must engage a teacher or an SNA directly. Schools are requested to assist in this regard.

Teachers and SNAs will be paid for this additional work through the Department’s payroll system upon receipt of the completed claim form from parents.

Eligibility

The following categories of students are eligible:

• Students in mainstream classes in post primary schools who are accessing the highest level of the continuum of support (i.e. School Support Plus/for

  a Few). This will include students with Autism, Down syndrome, sensory impairments, and other disabilities.

• Schools have flexibility to identify students that require the highest level of individualised and specialist support at any given time. This will ensure that students presenting with exceptional needs due to the current school closures can participate in the scheme.

More Inormation is available on the DES Website.

Documentation:

• Guidance for Parents
• Grant Claim Form
• COVID-19 Guidance for delivering of in-person tuition and personal care

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