Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 July 2020
6. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the additional resources that will be provided to schools such as a school (details supplied) which will lose one teacher as a result of a slight reduction in pupil numbers in September 2019 which now face arranging a return to school with at least two 35 pupil classes each from a variety of years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19298/20]
View answerI was pleased to publish the report to Government “Reopening Our Schools, The Roadmap for the Full Return to School” and announce a funding package of more than €370 million for primary and post primary schools to supports its implementation.
As part of the package of supports, additional teachers are being provided to support the reopening of primary schools in order to provide enhanced substitution and eliminate the need to mix classes when a teacher is absent. Supply panels are being established nationwide.
Primary schools are currently provided with class teachers on the basis of one teacher for every 26 pupils which is at its historically lowest level. The allocation of teaching posts to schools are determined by the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the previous 30 September.
The staffing schedule includes an appeals mechanism for schools to submit a staffing appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeals Board. The school referred to by the Deputy has not submitted a staffing appeal to the Independent Appeals Board in order to facilitate a review of its staffing position.
My Department will be working with all schools on the options available to implement the public health advice in respect of physical distancing in schools. In terms of operating in this school year, schools will be required to look at maximising all available physical space particularly to accommodate larger classes. Examples of class layouts have been developed to support schools. The minor works grant has been provided to assist schools if they need to reconfigure classrooms or undertake other work. Schools will also be required to look at how classes are organised in terms of size and this may require some reorganisation of class groupings. Where a school is still experiencing difficulties with social distancing , other measures including staffing will be examined by the Department.
