Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 May 2000

Vol. 520 No. 1

Written Answers. - Montessori Teaching.

John Browne

Question:

392 Mr. Browne (Carlow-Kilkenny) asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on Montessori teaching, the setting up of such schools and the possible financial aid which could be given to help in the building of such schools. [15195/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

Certain Montessori teachers are granted restricted recognition to teach in certain special schools and classes. In addition, my Department has recently decided that such teachers are also eligible to apply for and take up positions as resource teachers for pupils with special needs in ordinary schools.

The Montessori teachers who are entitled to restricted recognition are teachers with the Montessori qualification which is awarded on completion of the three year full time course in the Association Montessori Internationale – AMI – College, Mount St. Mary's, Milltown, Dublin 14, and teachers trained in St. Nicholas Montessori College, Dún Laoghaire, who have successfully completed the diploma or degree in humanities in Montessori education recognised by the National Council for Educational Awards.

Issues related to the training and qualifications of primary school teachers are kept under review. At present the existing pre-service training of primary teachers is being reviewed. A working group undertaking that review is expected to complete its work before the summer. Following completion of that review it is proposed to put in place a review of the recognition of Montessori teachers as primary teachers.

A group wishing to establish a new primary school is required to submit a formal application to the planning section of my Department. The application should include details of the number of pupils expected to enrol in the proposed new school in the initial and subsequent years and should also indicate how it is proposed to accommodate the school. Successful applicants would be required to nominate a patron and appoint a board of management in accordance with standard procedure.

Recognised primary schools are eligible for a range of current funding, including grants towards teacher salaries and capitation. When such schools have demonstrated viability and have been granted permanent recognition, they also become eligible to apply for capital grants. In order to gain recognition as a national school, and a consequent right to State funding, a school must agree to conform to the rules for national schools, to teach the national primary school curriculum and to employ fully qualified teachers.