The staffing of primary schools is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year. This is in accordance with guidelines agreed between my Department and the education partners.
The enrolment at the school in question on 30 September 1999 of 52 pupils warrants the staffing of a principal and one mainstream class teacher, which is the same staffing as the school had for the 1999-2000 school year. The school also has the services of a shared learning support teacher.
An enrolment of 56 pupils on 30 September 1999 was required in order to appoint a second mainstream class teacher for the 2000-01 school year.
Recently an inspector from my Department examined the staffing position in the school. I regret that there are no grounds for the appointment of an additional teacher to the school for the 2000-01 school year.