John Bruton
Question:1154 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will arrange to have a seminar for parents in every primary school here to introduce parents to the new curriculum for primary schools. [1141/01]
Written Answers. - Primary Schools Curriculum.
I have taken a number of steps to ensure that parents have access to information on the primary school curriculum. At the time of the launch, a copy of the curriculum was disseminated to all public libraries to ensure access by parents.
Some months ago, I launched a booklet entitled "Guidelines for parents, Your child's learning", which was written by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment for my Department as a guide and support for parents. This booklet was issued to all primary schools for dissemination to parents. Accompanying this booklet were guidelines for schools on how to mediate the information contained in it to parents so that they could become involved in supporting the implementation of the curriculum at home and in school.
The National Parents Council, Primary has been centrally involved in all the discussions regarding parent involvement in the implementation of the curriculum. A plan is currently being drawn up by the primary curriculum support programme which will offer support to schools as they or the parents' association organise meetings for parents on the curriculum.