Thomas Byrne
Question:111. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of new school principals coached per annum since 2010. [29283/16]
View answerTuesday, 11 October 2016
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Written answers
To date, continuing professional development support for newly appointed school principals has been provided through Department funded teacher support services as well as through representative professional bodies including the Irish Primary Principals' Network (IPPN) and the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (PD).
The new Centre for School Leadership (CSL), involving my Department, IPPN and PD, was established in 2015 on a partnership basis for an initial three year pilot period. My Department has committed to an investment of €3m for this pilot.
The Centre's responsibilities cover the continuum of professional development for school leaders, from pre-appointment training and induction of newly appointed principals, to continuing professional development throughout leaders' careers. Priorities for the Centre include the introduction of a mentoring programme for newly appointed principals and coaching support for serving principals experiencing professional challenges.
CSL has now trained over 200 experienced school leaders as mentors. All newly appointed post-primary principals are included in the new mentoring programme. The first phase at primary level caters for all newly appointed principals in the Leinster area and will be fully rolled out in all areas from September 2017.
In relation to coaching, a tender competition has taken place and it is expected that a framework agreement for this service will be in place before the end of this year.
Up to 400 principals per annum may access this coaching service.