Olivia Mitchell
Question:19 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will give details of the new methods proposed for prioritising the needs of disadvantaged pupils and schools. [7282/00]
Written Answers. - Disadvantaged Status.
I have set the tackling of educational disadvantage as a priority. My Department is currently working with the Educational Research Centre on finalising a range of indicators which will form the basis of a questionnaire to be sent to all primary schools. The purpose of this questionnaire will be to identify levels of educational disadvantage among pupils and schools across the primary system.
I will bring forward proposals for a major initiative to address the needs of pupils who are encountering educational disadvantage within the primary system. The work which my Department is currently finalising on the proposed questionnaire will allow for an accurate identification of the pupils in question. I expect this work will be completed very shortly.
Based on the levels of need identified through the indicators, my objective is to introduce a range of significant and specifically targeted interventions which will ensure that disadvantaged children will receive the support they require to enable them to succeed in the education system. The interventions in question will take the form of extra teacher support or extra funding, or both, depending on the nature and level of need identified.
I expect to make a further announcement in relation to this matter in the near future.