Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 February 2019
94. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to address the matter of reduced timetables being used in schools to manage behaviour; the way in which the practice is monitored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7506/19]
View answer95. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review the practice of reduced timetables operating in schools and address the loophole in which children are marked present then sent home and therefore not reported to Tusla will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7507/19]
View answerThe position of my Department in relation to the use of reduced timetables is that each child has a right to education to enable them to live a full life as a child and to realise his or her potential as a unique individual. All pupils who are enrolled in a school should attend school for the full day, unless exempted from doing so for exceptional circumstances, such as medical reasons.
Reduced timetables should not be used as a behavioural management technique, or as a de facto suspension or expulsion nor does any provision exist for the use of reduced timetables for particular pupils or groups of pupils.
Where children with emotional or behavioural difficulties, are enrolled, additional resources such as Special Education Teachers and Special Needs Assistants, are provided to schools to support the inclusion of such pupils.
The National Council for Special Education also provides training and guidance to schools around the inclusion of pupils with special educational needs and including around the management of behaviours that challenge.
Where schools apply a shorter school day in relation to a child, such arrangements should only be put in place in exceptional circumstances in order to assist a pupil to return to a school, where a pupil has been experiencing an absence due to a medical or behavioural related condition.
Any such arrangement should be a transitionary arrangement, which is designed to assist the reintegration of a pupil to a school environment.
In making any such arrangements, school authorities should be mindful of the best interests of the child and of the child's right to a full day in school. Schools should seek the advice of the National Educational Psychological Service before implementing such arrangements.
My Department is engaging with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and TUSLA Educational Welfare Service on the matter of reduced timetables with a view to examining options which can be taken to address the issues raised.
