Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 December 2004
213 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Science the procedures pursued by her Department to investigate a complaint from a parent that a teacher is not teaching the standard curriculum for national schools in an appropriate manner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32886/04]
View answer214 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Science the disciplinary sanctions available to her in the event of a teacher being found to not teach the standard curriculum for national schools in an appropriate manner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32887/04]
View answer215 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Science the remedy available to parents in the event of their being of the view that a teacher is not teaching the standard curriculum for national schools in an appropriate manner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32888/04]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 213 to 215, inclusive, together.
Under section 9 of the Education Act 1998, a recognised school is required to ensure that the education provided therein meets the requirements of educational policy as determined from time to time by the Minister, including requirements as to the provision of the curriculum. A school must also ensure that the educational needs of all students, including those with a disability or other special educational needs, are identified and provided for.
My Department supports the principle that complaints regarding schools should be resolved at school level whenever possible and will only become involved in the investigation after every effort has been made to resolve the matter locally.
Parents who have concerns regarding the implementation of the curriculum should refer their concerns, in the first instance, to the board of management of the school. If a complaint concerning the implementation of the curriculum is received by my Department, it is referred to the board of management of the school in question. The board is requested to provide its comments and observations on the complaint, including any steps it has taken to deal with it at school level.
Following the receipt of the board's response, advice is sought from my Department's inspectorate. An investigation by the inspectorate may then take place. This will include the inspectorate monitoring the quality of teaching and learning in the school. Rules 161 and 162 of the rules for national schools delineate processes whereby the inspection of individual teachers may be undertaken and sanctions imposed.
