Michael Healy-Rae
Question:186. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills if an extension will be granted to the term of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4199/20]
View answerWednesday, 13 May 2020
Questions (186)
Written answers
The assignment of HSCL Coordinators is addressed in my Department's Circular 0016/2019 "Home School Community Liaison Scheme: Assignment of Home School Community Liaison Coordinators within DEIS schools." .
The Circular specifies that "A teacher shall be assigned to the post of HSCL Coordinator for a maximum of 5 years to be completed on the 31st August of the fifth year. All assignments are subject to the HSCL allocation to the school(s), by the Department. It is the requirement that the HSCL Coordinator post be opened to application to eligible staff in the school(s) every 5 years".
The circular further states: "Having served the maximum period of 5 years allowed in the post, the existing HSCL Coordinator may not re-apply immediately for the HSCL Coordinator position. A HSCL Coordinator must vacate the HSCL position for a minimum period of 3 years before he/she is eligible to re-apply for the HSCL post".
The rotational nature of the assignment gives all staff members the opportunity to apply to serve as a HSCL in order for them to gain insight and experience of educational disadvantage first hand, thereby providing them with an understanding of the background, family and community life of the children they teach.