With summer approaching, are you worried about your child falling behind academically? If your child has autism or any other learning difficulties, extra support during the holidays can be of great benefit. 

The July Provision is a part of the Summer Programme. It offers additional support to children during the summer holiday. Administered by the Department of Education, it offers special learning and support services to children with special educational needs.

The programme’s fundamental purpose is to ensure support, inclusion, access, and meaningful assistance. In this article, we will explore everything the provision has to offer and how it can aid your child’s learning progress. 

What is the July Provision?

The provision began as a tuition scheme for children with autism or other complex learning difficulties during the summer months. The aim was to stop regression during the long summer break.

At first, it was primarily a home tuition programme. Today, it is recognised as the Summer Programme, with an expanded range of support that includes many school-based options. 

Children with special needs are at risk of losing learning progress during the summer months. For some kids, six weeks of no structure is an excessive amount of time. That is where the July Provision comes in. It maintains engagement and support for children when school is not in session.

It’s more than just academic study — it also assists children in developing self-sufficiency, interpersonal, and independence skills.

What’s in the Summer Programme 2025?

There are different ways to participate in this summer provision 2025. Here’s what’s available: 

• Special School Pilot – tailored programmes delivered directly within special schools.
• Primary School Scheme – a blend of inclusion and special classes.
• DEIS Summer Camps – Emphasis on literacy and numeracy for students in DEIS schools.
• Post Primary Programme – For students of secondary schools.
• Home-Based Provision – For children who are unable to attend a school-based programme.

Curriculum objectives might change depending on the delivery mechanism. However, all students still enjoy the same benefits. 

Inclusive Support in July Provision 2025

The programme has also been known to promote equality. On top of addressing the educational gaps, it provides support to those deemed most disadvantaged. 

The children who qualify for this are:

• Scheduled to receive SNA or SET support 
• Members of the Traveller or Roma communities 
• Newcomers to Ireland, especially from Ukraine 
• Finding it difficult to integrate or lack adequate English proficiency skills

Eligibility for July Provision 2025

Below are some criteria that make a child eligible for the programme:

Children with Special Educational Needs 

The primary consideration is children with more complex needs, which include the following: 

1. Autism
2. Down syndrome
3. Severe emotional or behavioral disorders
4. Visual or hearing disabilities
5. Impaired intellectual functioning
6. Difficulties with speech or self-sufficiency 

Children in special classes or special schools, as well as children receiving the most intensive level of support in a mainstream classroom, are likely eligible. Some families may also qualify for supports like the Domiciliary Care Allowance depending on their child’s care needs.

Planning to start school in 2025

Children who are starting primary school in September 2025 are also eligible. However, they must meet the programme requirements. 

Priority and Remaining Places 

Initially, schools allocate spots to the children deemed to have the most complex needs. Subsequently, spots are available to other children that have a high probability of being educationally disadvantaged. With this, more children are able to access summer learning. 

School-Based July Provision Activities

Schools that offer summer provisions should offer fun yet organized learning sessions. 

You can expect learning activities like:

• Literacy and Numeracy Learning
• Communication Skills
• Life and Independent Skills
• Sensory activities (most for children with autism) 

Supplementary arts, games, or short educational outings may also be available depending on the school’s resources. The Department of Education provides an activities pack to aid in lesson preparation for teachers and SNAs.

Another great summer activity for your children can be a trip to the Emerald Park. 

Special Schools and DEIS Summer Camps

All special schools can participate in the summer programme. They collaborate with a national coordinator to arrange assistance. If your child’s special school is not offering it, the coordinator can assist in finding a placement elsewhere. 

In DEIS primary schools, summer camps may operate in conjunction with the school-based programme. These emphasise literacy and numeracy, especially for students who require additional help. Each camp runs for one week, lasting four hours a day. Children from any class level can be selected, except for those starting Junior Infants in September 2025. 

Home Tuition: When School Isn’t an Option

Not every child can attend a school-based programme. 

This is where home tuition steps in. If a school doesn’t offer the Summer Programme or if there’s no availability, your child may be eligible for 10 hours of home tuition per week over four weeks. 

Applications go through your school, and after approval you will be sent a confirmation email. After that, you can look for a teacher or SNA to help your child. Some parents use the Summer Programme Portal on EducationPosts.ie to post ads. You can also consult with your school or a disability advocacy group to help you find a suitable tutor. Additionally, reading about the Disability Allowance in Ireland can help you better understand the available support options.

Don’t forget that tuition can only begin once you get approval from the Department of Education. If this isn’t followed through, you might not be reimbursed. 

More Support for Families

The programme also offers additional support to families. Let’s have a look at these measures.

Meals Over the Summer Holidays 

In 2025, schools participating in the School Meals Scheme will be able to offer meals during the Summer Programme. They can offer one meal to a child a day, meaning children can receive a single daily meal. Some schools may not participate in this programme, so make sure to double-check with your school. 

School Transport 

SEN transport service users or those receiving a Special Transport Grant may find these services still available during the summer. Typical school transport won’t be in service. However, there is a possibility your school will seek to provide other options. If transport isn’t formally provided, grant funding is available to apply for it. 

Conclusion

The July Provision is certainly not just a summer 

programme; rather a support framework intended to ensure that there is continuity in teaching and learning. 

It doesn’t matter if the child is enrolled in a school-based programme or in home tuition. The summer 2025 programme builds upon the progress of past years by continuing to deepen the scope of flexible and inclusive support.

Are you tired of looking for solutions for your child? Just get in touch with the school today and learn how your child can benefit from this summer programme.

FAQs