Jan O'Sullivan
Question:446 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools participating in the Breaking the Cycle programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12074/04]
View answerTuesday, 27 April 2004
Questions (387, 388)
Written answers
There are a total of 32 designated disadvantaged schools included in the urban dimension and 120 small rural schools in the rural dimension. The 32 schools in the urban dimension are benefiting from a targeted programme of teacher and funding supports which includes extra staffing to allow for a maximum class size of 15:1 in all junior classes. The maximum class size in senior classes is 27:1. The 120 small rural schools have shared teacher/co-ordinator and funding supports available.
The Breaking the Cycle programme is currently being considered in the context of a broad review of all initiatives aimed at tackling educational disadvantage, the outcome of which is expected shortly.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:447 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools participating in the early start project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12075/04]
View answerThe early start pre-school pilot project is in place in 40 selected schools in designated areas of disadvantage. There are 16 full and 24 half units catering for approximately 100 children aged between three and four years who are considered to be most at risk of not reaching their educational potential. Early start units have been established in 40 schools and all these schools are benefiting from additional resources to cater for the pre-school children attending.
Early start is currently being considered in the context of a broad review of all initiatives aimed at tackling educational disadvantage, the outcome of which is due shortly.