In-Person Supplementary Programme (to support students with complex needs)

This programme supports the education or care needs of primary and post primary pupils with complex needs.

It intends to supplement the teaching and learning provided by the student’s school and alleviate the impact of this period of school closure through the provision of 5 hours per week in-person teaching or care support to be delivered in homes.

An allocation of 5 hours per week of home-based teaching or care supports will be made available to eligible pupils for 4 weeks (a total allocation of 20 hours).

An extension of the current scheme was announced for children not returning to school on 1 March 2021.

• at primary level the supplementary programme for eligible pupils who are in 3rd to 6th class is extended by a further 2 weeks (an additional 5 hours per week, meaning a total allocation of 30 hours)
• at post primary level the supplementary programme for eligible students who are in 1st to 5th is extended by a further 2 weeks (an additional 5 hours per week, meaning a total allocation of 30 hours)

A timetable to claim the extended hours is available at the links below.

The support programme must be delivered outside of the normal school day (evenings and weekends), so that the student can continue to engage as fully as possible with the teaching and learning provided by their school.

The programme cannot be delivered remotely or in the school building.

Any unused hours can be delivered to families at any time before 30 April 2021, including during the Easter holidays.

Following representations to the department by a number of schools, parents, management bodies and by the Ombudsman for Children the department can confirm that the running of the supplementary programme in schools is an authorised activity.

It is therefore open to any Board of Management, if they so wish, to make their school premises available to facilitate the running of the supplementary programme.

Application forms and information are available through schools who are in the process of contacting the families of eligible pupils to assist them with the application process.

General guidance for parents and teachers or SNAs, information on the schemes terms and conditions, including COVID-19 guidance, is available at the following links:

• In-Person Supplementary Programme - Primary
• In-Person Supplementary Programme - Post Primary

If you have any queries, please email supplementaryprogramme@education.gov.ie

Fully completed Grant Claim Forms should be returned to; Department of Education, In-person Supplementary Programme, Special Education Section, Cornamaddy, Athlone, Co. Westmeath N37 X659 as soon as provision is completed and not later than close of business on 14 May 2021.