The Writers in Schools Scheme is one of the longest running arts-in-education programmes in the country. 2007 marked the 30th anniversary of the Scheme, run by Poetry Ireland and funded by the Arts Council/ An Chomhairle Ealaíon.
The Scheme part-funds visits by writers and storytellers to primary and post primary schools throughout the Republic of Ireland. There are over 250 writers and storytellers for schools to choose from on the Writers in Schools Web-Directory of Writers.
To apply for a visit by an author, the school selects a writer or storyteller they would like to invite from the Writers in Schools Web-Directory of Writers, contacts them to see if they are available and then arranges a date. Once a date has been agreed between the school and the writer, the school completes the application form (which can be downloaded from the Poetry Ireland website) and sends it by post/email or fax to the Writers in Schools office. There are two types of visit – Type A: Visit duration of 120 – 150 minutes and the cost to the school is €76.00, half the writer fee; Type B: Visit duration of 300 minutes and the cost to the school is €152.00. The Writers in Schools Scheme also pays the travels expenses of the author. For more information on the scheme and to download an application form, visit the Poetry Ireland website.
