Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 2 Jul 1996

Vol. 467 No. 7

Written Answers. - Montessori Teachers.

Seamus Brennan

Ceist:

187 Mr. S. Brennan asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the possibility of utilising the existing network of highly trained and experienced Montessori teachers in the development of the Early Start Programme; whether she will advocate the recognition of this teacher training as a valid alternative offering a wider choice of pre-school education; the plans, if any, she has to meet representatives of Montessori education to discuss a full role for Montessori teachers in the programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14020/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

It is not intended that Montessori trained teachers be appointed to the early start pre-schools.

The early start pre-schools are being developed as an integral part of the primary schools to which they are attached. Each pre-schools is therefore staffed by fully qualified primary teachers and qualified childcare assistants.

My Department recognises the Montessori diploma awarded on successful completion of the three year course at the Montessori College, Mount St. Mary's Dundrum Road, Milltown, Dublin 14 (formerly Sion Hill). Persons holdings this diploma may be granted exceptional recognition in special schools for children with mental handicap, emotional disturbance or hearing impairment.

However, the qualification does not meet the training qualification requirements of primary school teachers.

Primary school teachers appointed to the early start programme must be qualified to maintain deployment mobility within the schools' staff and in the primary school system generally. Consequently, the Montessori teachers cannot be appointed to the early start programme.

I have no plans in the near future to meet representatives of Montessori education.