I am pleased to inform the Deputy that, based on the current staffing schedule, St. Seachnaill's will qualify for an additional mainstream teacher on 1 September 2002.
The staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on the 30 September of the previous school year. The actual number of mainstream posts sanctioned is determined by reference to a staffing schedule, which is reviewed annually following discussions with the education partners. This schedule may only be deviated from in exceptional cases and in the case of schools with developing school status. The criteria to qualify for a post under developing school status are outlined in Circular 12/01. This circular was issued to all boards of management earlier this year.
The enrolment in the school referred to by the Deputy was 322 pupils on 30 September 2000 which warrants a staffing of principal plus 11 mainstream class teachers for the 2001-02 school year. Unfortunately, the school's current enrolment does not qualify it for an additional mainstream class teacher on developing school status for this school year.