Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 May 2023
265. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Education if she has introduced flexibility to the teacher allocation process to enable schools to deliver the full curriculum without lowering the standard of teaching, given the large number of Ukrainian children seeking refuge in the State who are entering the school system at different dates throughout the school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21075/23]
View answerStaffing arrangements for the 2023/24 school year are available in Circular 0006/2023.
The key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the previous 30 September.
The staffing arrangements include a provision whereby schools experiencing rapid increases in enrolment can apply for additional permanent mainstream posts, using projected enrolment. The staffing process also contains an appeals mechanism for schools to submit a staffing appeal under certain criteria, including a specific one aimed at small schools, to an independent Primary Staffing Appeals Board.
The Department provides specific English Language support to schools with pupils newly arrived into the country that have English as an additional language.
Schools may apply for further language support through the staffing appeals process. Having considered the circumstances outlined by the school and having regard to the high number of pupils requiring EAL support, additional support may be approved to meet the educational needs of such pupils. In considering the level of EAL support to be allocated, the Appeals Board will consider those pupils in the school with less than B1 (Level 3) proficiency that have received less than 3 years EAL support, irrespective of how long their parents have been in the country.
