School Meals Programme
- Published: 14 January 2021
The Department of Social Protection has confirmed that there will be no changes to the funding of the School Meals Programme during the current period of schools closures. The second instalment of this funding has already been paid. There is no additional funding available to that already allocated. The arrangements will not change from when schools/organisations closed previously i.e schools/organisations may continue to avail of the funding and continue to provide food consistent with normal funding terms and conditions. The DE has advised that An Post are not in a position to continue to offer a complimentary delivery service and has suggested alternative no cost delivery options for the continuation of this service:
- Local authorities are coordinating Community Support Network Programmes to assist with volunteer efforts
- Local Development Companies can also assist schools
Trending Leadership Support Queries - 14 January
- Published: 14 January 2021
DE FAQs - Childcare for Education Staff
- Published: 14 January 2021
Reopening of Schools & Remote Learning – IPPN Advocacy
- Published: 14 January 2021
Further to IPPN president Damian White’s letter to members in last week’s E-scéal, IPPN has advocated strongly on behalf of members who raised significant concerns about the Department’s decision to partially reopen schools, which was later reversed, as well as the issues around the resumption of remote learning. The statement outlining the key points raised with the Department was notified to members on Thursday evening and is available here.
Since then, many schools have contacted IPPN expressing their concern about the decision to reverse and looking for flexibility to reopen, where the Board of Management feels they can safely do so, to support vulnerable pupils. IPPN continues to advocate for the safe reopening of schools and for school leaders’ views and expertise to be taken into account in future decisions. There are ongoing discussions between the Department, the unions and the management bodies and following a briefing this morning, the Minister issued this statement. It is expected that further details will follow. As soon as this information becomes available it will be communicated to members.
The Leadership Support team is available to support any school leader who wishes to discuss these issues as they relate to their school. You can reach them by emailing info@ippn.ie or by phoning 021 4824070.
