Details of a major programme aimed at addressing the impact of
Covid-19 on children’s learning have been outlined by Education
Minister, today.
The funding, agreed by the Executive in June 2020, will enable
all primary and post primary schools to provide additional
teaching support for pupils, particularly those from
disadvantaged backgrounds.
The significant investment being made through the Engage
programme will seek to address the impact of Covid-19 in terms of
lost learning and will support those pupils most in need.
Welcoming the new programme during a visit to Dungannon Primary
School, the Minister said: “There is no doubt that this
year has been particularly difficult for teachers, pupils and
parents all across Northern Ireland. Along with my Executive
colleagues, I am very conscious of the anxiety
caused by prolonged school closures during the lockdown period
and the potential long lasting impact in terms of pupil
achievement.
“The Engage programme will provide vital assistance to
schools as they seek to address the needs of our children and
young people during this unique year.
This funding will be used to secure additional qualified
teachers, enabling schools to provide child
centred one-to-one, small group or team teaching support to those
pupils who stand to benefit the most.
"I am determined that, during what has been a most
challenging time, every pupil in Northern Ireland should receive
the support they need to help them engage with learning, to
enhance wellbeing to ensure that they can all reach their full
potential.”
The Engage programme forms part of efforts to address the impact
of Covid-19. Further measures have included the purchase of
online Virtual Learning resources for current Year 7 children to
help with literacy and numeracy skills. In addition, a number of
primary schools received funding to provide Summer Schools.
The Minister concluded: “I want to thank once again all
our teachers and school staff within education settings for their
support and determination to enable the return of our pupils to
the classroom. Without their commitment, programmes such as
Engage would not be possible.
“I am hopeful of securing the additional £4.8million
funding which will be needed to continue the programme until the
end of the current academic year (from April 2021 to June 2021)
and will be making that case to my Executive colleagues in due
course.”
Notes to editors:
- The Engage programme forms part of efforts to address the
impact of Covid-19. Through the same funding package, the
Department has helped schools with the purchase of online Virtual
Learning resources for current Year 7 children to help with
literacy and numeracy skills over the next year. It also
supported a number of primary schools to provide Summer Schools
which enabled pupils to take part in a range of activities
allowing them to start socialising and learning again in advance
of their full return to school.
