As I recently announced, a new staffing schedule is being introduced which will substantially improve class sizes in primary schools from September next. This schedule provides for a significant reduction in the number of pupils necessary for the appointment of a non-teaching principal.
A working group made up of representatives from all of the education partners and a number of principal teachers has been set up to examine the role of the principal teacher in primary schools.
The group has met on approximately 14 occasions over the past 11 months. I understand its work is nearing completion and that a report is likely to be forwarded to me in the near future.
I am confident the report will address all issues relating to teaching principals within the primary school system. Accordingly, I do not propose to comment further on this matter until I have received the group's report and considered its recommendations.