Vol. 553 No. 3
95 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science the schools in which the home-school-community liaison project is in operation; his plans to further expand the scheme; the purpose and success of the scheme to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14048/02]
The home-school community liaison scheme was established in 1990 and is a key element in my Department's strategy to combat educational disadvantage. Under this scheme, co- ordinators are assigned to schools in disadvantaged areas to work with school staff, parents and relevant community agencies in advancing the educational interests of children. The scheme seeks to address the discontinuity between the children's home and community experiences and the demands of schooling by maximising active participation of targeted pupils in the learning process and by promoting active co-operation and collaboration between home, school and community. A national co-ordinator oversees the day-today operation of the scheme and promotes its development.
The home-school-community liaison scheme is currently being reviewed by the Education Research Centre for my Department. In addition to examining the impact of the scheme and how efficiently and effectively the scheme has achieved its objectives, this review will help to inform future policy and practice in relation to the development of school, family and community linkages as a means of addressing educational disadvantage. At present there are 309 primary schools and 211 second level schools included in the home-school-community liaison scheme. I am arranging for a list of the schools to be forwarded directly to the Deputy.
