Decision needed on July Provision scheme
Labour Party Senator, Rebecca Moynihan, has called on the Minister for Education to provide clarity on the Home-Based July Provision scheme for parents of children with additional needs.
The ‘July Provision’ scheme provides funding for additional educational supports for children with a severe or profound general learning disability or children with autism.
Senator Moynihan said:
“Normally at this time of year the applications for the July Provision scheme have closed and parents are beginning the search for a registered teacher to provide support for their children.
“However, this year parents have not been told if July Provision is going ahead or how they can apply. The website hasn’t been updated since 2019 and parents have not been informed of what is happening by their schools.
“The system is already very onerous for parents with children who have a high level of needs but the lack of confirmation for 2020 provision is unfair and unacceptable.
“These are our most vulnerable children and their routine and education have been impacted by school closures due to Covid-19.
“The July Provision scheme has many faults but cancelling it altogether would be profoundly unfair on already struggling parents. July provision takes place in the home, so appropriate measures to limit contact with others can be adopted.
“This service, which is a lifeline for parents, is not even registering in the Department’s response to Covid-19.
“The Minister needs to provide immediate clarity and develop a system supports to parents of these children.”