Carlow school to benefit from DEIS+ programme rolling out this September

Holy Family National School Askea in Carlow is set to benefit from a DEIS+ scheme this September.

Minister Jennifer Murnane O’Connor has welcomed this morning’s announcement that a new will be rolled out from September, bringing additional supports to schools.

121 of the country's most disadvantaged schools are to receive a range of additional supports, including more than 400 additional staff under a new DEIS plus scheme, which is to be rolled out from this coming September.

The plan targets schools with the deepest and most persistent levels of disadvantage and places a central focus on addressing mental health and wellbeing among children attending.

The 400 additional staff will include an additional teaching post in each of the 121 schools directly aimed at coordinating the promotion of mental health and well-being within the school.

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Welcoming the announcement, Minister Murnane O’Connor said: “This funding marks a significant move towards tackling educational disadvantage across Ireland and will make a meaningful difference within schools.

“The allocation of extra teaching posts, together with enhanced wellbeing and guidance supports, will strengthen schools’ ability to meet the needs of their students.

“I am especially glad that Holy Family in Askea has been included in this initiative, which will deliver valuable benefits for students, staff and the wider school community.”

The supports to be rolled out from September include additional teaching posts, new leadership positions, expanded guidance supports at primary level, more Home School Community Liaison Coordinators, wellbeing practitioners, funding for breakfast clubs, a €400,000 Innovation Fund and stronger links with colleges and industry.

The scheme is backed by a €48 million investment in the DEIS+ programme and the wider DEIS strategy.

In total, the measures announced under DEIS Plus and the DEIS Strategy will deliver over 400 additional roles, including approximately 350 teacher posts, benefiting some 700 schools nationwide.

Minister Murnane O’Connor also welcomed that Home School Community Liaison (HSCL) services will be extended to 130 additional schools, including those outside the traditional DEIS programme, widening the safety net for vulnerable children and young people.