A Waterford Senator says a summer education programme will come as a relief to many local families.
The 'July Provision' for children with disabilities, learning difficulties or from disadvantaged backgrounds is being extended to include a wider number of children.
It will see teachers and special needs assistants working with children to prevent regression as well as educational summer camps being run in DEIS schools and by the HSE.
Fine Gael's John Cummins welcomed the announcement saying "this year’s summer provision is of the utmost importance and will assist so many children with special needs in across Waterford".
"This is really positive news for many families in Waterford. Throughout this COVID-19 pandemic, the Government has consistently acknowledged the additional challenges faced by children with special needs and I know many families here locally who were very concerned at their children missing out on school. So I am really pleased to see the Government follow through on the commitment to do something for this vulnerable group of students who rely so much on their annual summer programme.
"A wide range of children with special needs will benefit from Summer Provision this year, including those with severe and profound and moderate needs, to those with autism, Down syndrome, and those with severe visual or hearing impairment. The expansion of this scheme to cater for a far wider cohort of students was something that I had consistently called for over the past couple of months.
"Teachers and special needs assistants are being given the opportunity to offer provision in-school or in the home. DEIS schools are also being offered the chance to run educational summer camps on literacy and numeracy, wellbeing and re-engagement with school. In addition, the HSE aims to provide summer camp type supports to up to 1,200 children with complex needs.
"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", Senator Cummins concluded.
