Jim Mitchell
Question:54 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science if work has commenced on the classification of schools by level of disadvantage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11840/00]
Written Answers. - Disadvantaged Status.
I am currently implementing a £194 million three-year multi-sectoral programme to offset educational disadvantage that will provide specific supports for early education, primary, post-primary and third levels of the formal system as well as life-long and continuing education. The supports will target people at risk of, or who are experiencing educational disadvantage. The supports will also be provided to those with poor levels of literacy skills as well as people with disabilities.
At primary level, the new programme involves a survey of all primary schools to assess the level of concentration in each school of pupils who have background characteristics that are associated with educational disadvantage and early school leaving. I intend allocating additional resources next September to selected schools that have the highest concentrations of "at risk" young people. Also, within this new approach, schools that are designated as serving areas of disadvantage will retain the supports they already have and may be eligible for additional help.
A questionnaire, which was prepared by the educational research centre, ERC, Drumcondra, in consultation with officials in my Department, was issued to schools on 6 April and schools have been requested to return the completed questionnaires to the ERC by 20 April.
Analysis of the questionnaires will be completed at the end of May and the selected schools will be advised as soon as possible thereafter of the additional resources that are being allocated to them. The resources allocated will reflect levels of need and their continued allocation will be re-assessed periodically.