John Bruton
Question:150 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the initiatives he has put in place to reduce the pupil/teacher ratio in schools in Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14811/04]
View answerWednesday, 19 May 2004
Questions (150)
Written answers
The staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous year. The number of mainstream posts sanctioned is determined by reference to a staffing schedule and is finalised for a particular school year following discussions between my officials and the education partners.
The overall maximum class size in primary schools, by reference to the staffing schedule, has been reduced from 35 in the 1995-96 school year to 29 in the 2002-03 school year. The staffing schedule for the current school year is structured to ensure that all primary schools will operate to an average mainstream class size of 29 pupils. School authorities should ensure that there is an equitable distribution of pupils in mainstream classes and that the differential between the largest and smallest classes is kept to a minimum.
The pupil-teacher ratio at primary level has improved significantly in recent years. The ratio has fallen from 22.2:1 in the 1996-97 school year to 18.0:1 in the 2002-03 school year. The projected ratio for the current school year is 17.44:1.
In line with Government policy, my Department will continue to provide further reductions in the pupil-teacher ratio within available resources and subject to spending priorities within the education sector. Priority will be given to pupils with special needs and those from disadvantaged areas.