Vol. 554 No. 5
530 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science if St. Fergal's junior national school will be favourably considered for the giving children an even break scheme given that this school has disadvantaged status and is considerably under-resourced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15683/02]
Giving Children An Even Break was initially launched in January 2001. Schools targeted were identified through a comprehensive and objective survey of all primary schools carried out in 2000 by the Educational Research Centre, Drumcondra, on my Department's behalf. The survey provides a valuable and objec tive basis for directing resources to the pupils in greatest need. It is the most comprehensive survey ever of the incidence of educational disadvantage in primary schools in Ireland. In total, 2,145 schools are now participating in Giving Children An Even Break. The programme, which will cost €33 million and will run over a three-year period involves the creation of more than 200 new primary teaching posts and the allocation of cash grants to primary schools in respect of disadvantaged pupils.
There are separate urban and rural dimensions to Giving Children An Even Break and the school referred to by the Deputy has been included in the urban dimension. Urban schools with the highest concentrations of at risk pupils are being supported, where necessary, over the three-year period, through staff allocations, to implement a pupil teacher ratio of 20:1 in the junior classes – infants through second class – and a pupil teacher ratio of 27:1 in senior classes – third through sixth classes.
The school referred to by the Deputy was not considered eligible for additional teaching staff, based on the level of concentration of at risk pupils in the schools as reflected in the Educational Research Centre survey outcome. The school is benefiting from additional funding to be used in the provision of a range of in school and out of school supports for the pupils concerned.
An expansion of this programme is now taking place, following examination by the Educational Research Centre at the request of the Department, regarding survey returns received from schools not already participating under a second round process and consideration of appeals received from participating schools unhappy with the outcome of the survey carried out in 2000.
On this basis, additional resources are now being offered to selected schools. In total, 268 schools have been considered under this process and those deemed eligible will receive either teaching and-or funding support under the urban or rural dimension of Giving Children An Even Break.
The school in question will be informed of the outcome of process shortly.
