Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 March 2005
84 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on whether the present method of calculating pupil-teacher ratios does not generate an accurate picture of the size of classes; if she has proposals to change the method of calculation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7991/05]
View answer112 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Education and Science if a new timescale has been set for the reduction of average class sizes as promised in the programme for Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7880/05]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 84 and 112 together.
It is assumed that the Deputies are referring to the position at primary level. The pupil-teacher ratio as published in my Department's annual statistical report is calculated by dividing the total enrolment in all primary schools by the total number of full-time teaching posts. The total enrolment includes all children in ordinary and special schools and the total teaching posts include administrative principals, learning support teachers and recognised teachers of pupils with special needs in ordinary primary schools as well as teachers in special schools.
The national pupil-teacher ratio is an indicator of the ratio of overall full-time staff to pupils at primary level. Since it takes account of all teachers in a school, including resource teachers, it has limitations in giving an accurate picture of the size of classes. To provide a more accurate picture of the size of classes, my Department also publishes details of average class size in the annual statistical reports. This indicator includes mainstream class teachers only and refers to ordinary pupils in ordinary classes. The average class size indicator provides a more accurate picture of the size of classes at primary level. However, since this indicator takes account only of mainstream classroom teachers, the growth in the number of resource teachers and teachers other than classroom teachers at primary level is not captured by this indicator. These are included in the calculation of pupil-teacher ratio. Therefore, while both indicators have their limitations, they are complementary.
The Deputies should note that significant improvements have been made in this area in recent years. The average class size at primary level is now 23.9, down from 26.6 in 1996-97. The pupil-teacher ratio has fallen from 22.2:1 in the 1996-97 school year to 17.44:1 in 2003-04. Over 4,000 additional teachers have been employed in our primary schools since 1997. These additional teaching posts have been used to reduce class sizes, to tackle educational disadvantage and to provide additional resources for children with special needs. Significantly smaller class sizes have been introduced in disadvantaged schools involved in the Giving Children an Even Break/ Breaking the Cycle programme, with approximately 47,700 pupils in 243 participating schools availing of reduced class sizes of either 15 or 20 pupils per class.
In line with Government policy, the position will be further improved in the future within available resources and subject to spending priorities within the education sector. Priority will be given to pupils with special needs, those from disadvantaged areas and those in junior classes.
