Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 21 Apr 1998

Vol. 489 No. 6

Written Answers. - School Inspections.

Richard Bruton

Question:

663 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary schools, secondary voluntary schools, community and comprehensive colleges and VEC schools which have had an inspection carried out by his inspectorate in each of the past five years; the percentage of schools in each category which this represents; and if he has received a report of the actions, if any, taken as a result of these inspections. [8579/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

School inspections were carried out in primary schools as follows:

Year	No. of Schools	% of Schools
		%
1992-93	517	15.5
1993-94	508	15.3
1994-95	540	16.4
1995-96	532	16.2

These figures do not include inspections carried out on probationary teachers.

When an inspection leading to a school report is completed, the inspector(s) involved hold(s) a post-inspection meeting with the principal and staff at which the findings of the inspector(s) are discussed and recommendations made. These recommendations are usually referred to in the written report which is sent to schools. They are discussed with the chairperson of the board of management, especially where initiatives of the board are necessary for the implementation of the recommendations. On subsequent visits to the schools the inspectors usually discuss with the principal the actions which have been taken and, where necessary, visit teachers in individual classrooms.

In drawing up the schedule of school inspections each year it has been the practice since 1995 to list three schools in each district in which recent inspections were carried out and in which follow-up development work will be done.

In second level schools inspections are undertaken on the teaching of individual subject areas and on programmes such as the transition year programme and the leaving certificate vocational programme.

While details on inspections at second level are not readily available on a school sector or subject specific basis the number of inspections undertaken in second level schools in the years 1992-93 to 1995-96 is as follows:

Year	Programme Inspection	Subject Inspection
1992-93	124	326
1993-94	110	370
1994-95	320	282
1995-96	106	124

In March 1995 the inspectorate undertook an appraisal of the transition year programme in 146 schools, i.e. 19 per cent of second level schools. A report on the evaluation was published in 1996. In addition, a report with specific recommendations for improving the implementation of the programme was issued to each school. Follow up visits were made to those schools where particular problems in implementing the programme were identified.

In November and December 1997 the inspectorate undertook an evaluation of the leaving certificate vocational programme in 95 schools, i.e. 12.5 per cent of second level schools and a report on the evaluation will be published shortly. In addition, a report with specific recommendations for improving the implementation of the programme will be issued to each school as appropriate.

Details on inspections for the year 1996-97 are not yet available.