Summer Programme 2026: home-based programme
- Published on: 3 May 2022
- Last updated on: 8 May 2026
Information for parents
A home-based summer programme is available for children with complex special educational needs where their schools are not providing a school-based programme.
The allocation of hours is 10 per week for four weeks, where a student is eligible and their school is not participating in a school-based programme or is not in a position to offer the student a place on a school-based programme.
Online Sanctioning Portal
For 2026, the Department is providing an online portal to allow schools to submit a student’s details and confirm eligibility. A sanction email will issue to the parents and school to confirm eligibility and the hours that have been allocated to the student.
Schools are asked to complete and support parents in submitting this application.
The link for the Online Sanctioning Portal will be circulated to schools by email and the Portal will remain open until Friday 15 May 2026.
Information for schools
Information for Private Group Provider Arrangements
The Department will approve a Private Group Provider Arrangement between parents/legal guardians and private providers subject to compliance with the terms and conditions for group arrangements and approved in advance by this department.