In an effort to offset the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Engage Programme was launched in September 2020 using Covid-19 funding provided by DoF and continued in 2021-22 and 2022-23. Over £57m in funding was allocated to settings across the three years of the programme.

The Engage programme aimed to limit any long-term adverse impact of COVID-19 by supporting pupils’ learning and engagement on their return to school/setting through provision of high quality one to one, small group or team teaching support in every school/setting in Northern Ireland. The Programme provided the flexibility and autonomy settings needed to meet the diverse needs of their pupils and allow them to address the effects of Covid-19.  One of the key strengths of the programme is that was shaped by those delivering it on the ground, which allowed for the delivery of a range of interventions and approaches which resulted in increased confidence and motivation of thousands of pupils.

The Engage programme came to an end on 31 March 2023

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