Vol. 516 No. 2
64 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the criteria his Department is using to assess disadvantage in its survey of primary schools; the implication of the change of policy for the 316 schools in the current disadvantaged areas schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7234/00]
My Department is currently working with the Educational Research Centre on finalising a range of indicators which will form the basis for a questionnaire to be sent to all primary schools, including schools currently included in the disadvantaged areas scheme. The purpose of this questionnaire will be to identify levels of educational disadvantage among pupils and schools across the primary system.
I will be bringing 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 that this work will be completed very shortly.
Based on the levels of need identified through the questionnaire, my objective is to introduce a range of significant and specially targeted interventions which will ensure that disadvantaged children 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.
The 316 schools which already have disadvantaged area status will be considered in this initiative. However, in allocating additional resources, regard will be had to any special supports already made available to assist schools to combat educational disadvantage in their areas.
