Expanded Summer programme for children with special educational needs and those at greatest risk of educational disadvantage

The Department of Education has recently announced the provision of an 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 this expansion of the summer programme, students with complex special educational needs and those at greatest risk of educational disadvantage will have access to an enhanced summer programme of education.

The programme’s aims are to support pupils to re-engage with education, to build their confidence and 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.

Following consultation with education stakeholders, a number of new initiatives and additional resources are being provided for schools running programmes this summer. This include providing funding for an Overseer role in each school and providing additional time for preparatory work. A new helpline is also being provided to handle queries. There is also a commitment to issue payments to staff involved in a more timely manner.

Primary Schoolswho wish to offer a school based summer programme can complete an ‘Expression of Interest’ form byThursday 10thJuneon the following Department of Education link -https://dessurveys.education.gov.ie/surveys/summer-programme-primary

Post-Primary Schoolswho wish to offer a school based summer programme can complete an ‘Expression of Interest’ form byFriday 4thJuneon the following Department of Education link -https://dessurveys.education.gov.ie/surveys/summer-programme-pp

A Department helpline for schools and parents is also being provided to deal with any queries on the programmes. This can be reached by emailThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.or call 090 648 4292

Beidh an Cruinniú Cinn Bliana ar siúl ar líne ar 8ú Meitheamh ag 4.30p.m. 

The AGM will take place online on Tuesday June 8th at 4.30p.m. Register HERE if you wish to attend and a link will issue to you prior to the date. 

Any member wishing to propose a motion or alteration to the Constitution shall send same in writing to the Director, 7 working days before the date of the A.G.M. Included with each motion/proposed alterations to the Constitution, shall be the name of the proposer and Seconder.

Many thanks to all who attended our conferenceon “Making a Difference: Middle Leadership Matters” which was hosted bythe Education Support Centres in Athlone, Clare, Galway & Laois. We are delighted to launch the follow up report to this very successful event and invite you now to download it through this link Middle Leadership Matters Conference Report.

The Department of Education are pleased to announce the opening of a new round of Creative Clusters. The deadline for receipt of applications is Friday 14th May 2021.

Each Creative Cluster will receive grant funding of €3,000 per school over a two-year period to implement their project in the 2021–2023 school years (e.g. a cluster of 3 schools would receive €9,000 over two years while a cluster of 5 schools would receive €15,000 over two years). Clusters will receive 50% of the total grant funding in Year 1, with the second 50% being provided in Year 2. In addition, but separate to the grant funding, all successful clusters are further supported with: A fully paid Creative Cluster Facilitator; paid Teacher Substitution to attend training and meetings; room hire, travel & subsistence.

Please see the following link for more details: Creative Clusters

• Schools can apply as part of a cluster which may be an existing network of schools.
• A school nearing the end of year 2 of an existing Creative Cluster can reapply to be in a new cluster where the other schools in the new cluster have not participated before.
• Schools nearing the end of 2 years with Creative Schools
• are eligible to apply.
• The local Teacher Education Support Centre will have a key role in identifying and supporting a Creative Cluster for their local area.
• A total of 21 Creative Clusters will be selected nationally - One successful Creative Cluster per Education Centre.

Applications should be sent to the local full-time Teacher Education Centre (list at Appendix 1 of Guidelines document on Department of Education/DoE website). 

Any queries, please contact your local Education Centre or email Arts in Education Administration This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Creative Clusters is an initiative of the Department of Education, led by and in partnership with the 21 full-time Teacher Education Centres (Education Support Centres Ireland - ESCI) and funded through the Schools Excellence Fund.

Creative Cluster Poster 2021-2022

Since the introduction of the Primary Language Curriculum, teachers have naturally been asking how this change in curriculum impacts on their classroom planning.

To support teachers in primary and special schools, guidance has been developed through a collaboration led by the Department of Education and involving schools/teachers, the NCCA, the NCSE, and the PDST.

The Guidance aims to support all teachers and school leaders by providing a renewed understanding of how planning and preparation for teaching and learning is demonstrated in the classroom.

The Guidance will be officially launched at an Information Event on the 27th of April, from 3:30-4:45pm. Click here to register

Click on this link for PDST Primary Resources for Tech Week

Click on this link for PDST Secondary School Resources for Tech Week