Written Answers. - Primary Principals Network Survey.
Michael Bell
Question:
37
Mr. Bell
asked the
Minister for Education and Science
his response to the recent survey by the Irish Primary Principals Network which showed that, on average, there were only 3.5 applicants for every post of principal in 2000; his views on the reasons for this low level of response; his proposals for dealing with these underlying reasons; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[6976/01]
David Stanton
Question:
76
Mr. Stanton
asked the
Minister for Education and Science
if his attention has been drawn to the reluctance among staff in the primary school sector to apply for posts of principal and deputy principal as outlined in a recent survey by the Irish Primary Principals Network; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[6883/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 37 and 76 together.
The post of school principal is of critical importance in the management of primary education. I appreciate that the many new developments in primary education in recent years have significantly increased the responsibilities of principal teachers, and all the indications are that the pace of change will continue in the foreseeable future.
I welcomed the establishment of the Irish Primary Principals Network, which has the potential to provide additional professional support and development for primary school principals. In recognition of the onerous responsibilities associated with their positions, primary principal teachers receive allowances, which range from £4,886 to £15,205 per year, depending on the number of pupils enrolled in the school.
Under the terms of the PCW, significant numbers of additional middle management posts were created to improve the overall management structure in primary schools. As a result, there are more than 8,000 teachers, excluding principals, holding posts of responsibility in primary schools as deputy principals, assistant principals and special duties teachers. These post holders are members of the management team of the school and are paid significant allowances in respect of their responsibilities. Accessibility to these additional management posts is likely to have had an influence on the numbers of teachers seeking posts as principal.
The appointment of a principal teacher of a primary school is a matter for the board of management. While there are indications from the IPPN survey that the number of applicants for posts may have decreased in recent years, the issue must be examined in the context of recent developments. The Government has introduced a range of measures to improve conditions for principals, and further improvements will be implemented for the 2001-02 school year.
Prior to 1 September 2000 administrative principals were appointed only to schools with eight or more mainstream class teachers. In the current school year, administrative principals may be appointed to schools with seven mainstream class teachers. In addition, schools with 11 or more teachers, includingex quota posts, may appoint an administrative principal. I will be implementing further improvements in this area for the 2001-02 school year. From September next, administrative principals may be appointed to all primary schools with six or more mainstream class teachers, or with ten teachers including ex quota posts.
The introduction of release time for principals in primary schools with less than seven mainstream class teachers in the current school year is of major significance to school authorities and principals. The release time enables the teaching principal to be released for a specified number of days annually to undertake administrative, leadership and management functions in the school. Substitution cover paid for by my Department is provided for the days the principal is on release time. The number of release days is being increased significantly in this school year.
My Department is formulating proposals for a comprehensive programme of professional development for principal teachers, including newly appointed principals. These proposals will be considered in due course in consultation with the education partners. Since taking office, the Government has created an additional 1,875 posts to reduce the pupil-teacher ratio and to increase support for children with a disability or disadvantage. Under the terms of the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness, the Government has approved the allocation of a further 900 posts to be allocated during the lifetime of the programme. In addition, resource posts are allocated to meet specific needs on an ongoing basis. The reduction in the PTR, and the increased support for children with a disability or disadvantage, will continue to contribute significantly to improving conditions for principal teachers.
In recognition of the need to improve the funding of secretaries and caretakers, the funding allocated by means of additional per capita grants to schools, which was approximately £5.6 million in 1999, has been increased this year to approximately £12.5 million and will be further increased in 2001 to approximately £16.8 million. This is a threefold increase in a two year period. These improvements mean that since September of last year all primary schools receive an annual grant to assist them with the provision of secretarial and caretaking services. The introduction of these measures has also made a major contribution towards easing the workload of principal teachers.
