Vol. 457 No. 8
39 Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Education the plans, if any, she has for extending co-operation between primary schools designated as disadvantaged and the second level schools to which the students of those primary schools transfer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16160/95]
A significant level of co-operation already takes place between primary schools designated as disadvantaged and the second level schools to which the students of those primary schools transfer. This co-operation is already particularly well developed in the area of home school community liaison activity. All schools included in the home school community liaison scheme were selected on the basis of having disadvantaged status. It is my intention to continue the expansion of the home school community liaison scheme to embrace additional disadvantaged schools.
In addition, as outlined in the White Paper on Education, all schools will be required to develop a formal home school links policy as part of their school plan. This will further enhance the process of co-operation between primary and second level schools in areas of disadvantage.
