I propose to take Questions Nos. 372 and 373 together.
Details of the 2026 Summer Programme were communicated to all schools on the 6th May 2026. All schools have been offered the opportunity to run a school-based programme for children with the most complex special educational needs and those at risk of educational disadvantage.
Where a school does not intend to run a school-based programme or there is no place on the programme for an eligible child, schools were invited to make an application for the home-based programme.
It is important to note that staffing allocations are made to schools based on the number of children they are catering for in accordance with the published terms and conditions of the programme.
The staffing allocation for special class groups in the Primary School Scheme is typically the same as the special class resource allocation which exists during the school year. Where this is not the case, the Department will engage directly with individual schools so that all of the children enrolled in special classes can partake.
The staffing allocation for pupils with special educational needs and/or pupils at risk of educational disadvantage enrolled in mainstream classes is more favourable than during the school term. For each group of 12 pupils participating, one teacher and one Special Needs Assistant (SNA) is allocated. This is compared to the pupil teacher ratio of one teacher for every 23 pupils during term-time.
Part of the role of the Summer Programme Manager Role in a school is establishing and ensuring that their programme operates within resources as sanctioned by the Department. As outlined in the terms and conditions of the programme, schools are expected to maximise group sizes at the outset to enable the participation of as many children as possible in the Summer Programme. To support this objective and before approval to run the programme can be given, a minimum threshold of two-thirds of the group size applies. Staff who participate on the Summer Programme will be paid for each day worked.
A Department helpline is available for schools and parents at 090 648 4292 to address any specific queries regarding this year’s Summer Programme. If a school has any specific queries concerning the school-based programme, they can be directed to the schoolsummerprogramme@education.gov.ie.
