Vol. 568 No. 5
278 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will consider allocating an extra teacher to Scoil San Carlo, Leixlip, County Kildare, to address the situation whereby a split class of first and second class pupils has been established which is taught through a job-sharing arrangement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16757/03]
Boards of management are required to develop a policy on job sharing specific to the needs of the particular school. In doing this, they are required to ensure that the welfare and educational needs of pupils take precedence over all other considerations. In particular, boards must take account of pupils who might be regarded as vulnerable or having special needs. Special consideration is given by boards before approving job-sharing for junior infant classes or special needs pupils.
Teachers entering into a job sharing arrangement are required to prepare a plean oibre which addresses the need for continuity, the need for planning an agreed methodology and an agreed approach to disciplinary matters. It also provides for the use of the combined talents of both teachers as well as assigning responsibility. Boards of management must be satisfied that the plean oibre adequately addresses all of the key issues and must also ensure that the job sharing teachers agree to frequent out of school meetings to discuss their work.
Boards of management are required to ensure teachers participating in job sharing arrangements are aware that boards reserve the right to terminate a job sharing arrangement if the arrangement is not operating in the best interests of pupils.
