Vol. 514 No. 1
230 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary schools with a middle infant class, reception year; if this programme is regarded by the schools as a ben eficial strategy for schools in disadvantaged urban areas; and if he will extend this scheme to the schools concerned. [3624/00]
The primary curriculum is designed as an eight year course. It is flexible and child-centred and can be adapted to cater for the individual needs of pupils. Furthermore, there is no official programme for a middle infant class within the primary curriculum. As a general rule, primary pupils should progress from one standard to a higher standard at the end of each school year.
Boards of management of all schools where my Department became aware that middle infant classes operated were advised that the three year cycle should be eliminated and a two year infant cycle re-established. It is the policy of my Department that all primary schools operate a two year infant cycle.
