The staffing of a primary school for a particular school year is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous year. The number of mainstream posts sanctioned is determined by reference to a staffing schedule and is finalised for a particular school year following discussions between my officials and the education partners.
The overall maximum class size in primary schools, by reference to the staffing schedule, has been reduced from 35 in the 1995-96 school year to 29 in the 2002-03 school year. The staffing schedule for the current school year is structured to ensure that all primary schools will operate to an average mainstream class size of 29 pupils. School authorities should ensure that there is an equitable distribution of pupils in mainstream classes and that the differential between the largest and smallest classes is kept to a minimum.
Regarding the question of additional learning support provision, the position is that my Department continues to review the existing arrangements for the allocation of special educational supports to primary schools. The basic purpose of the review is to ensure that each school has the level of resources required to cater for its pupils with special educational needs.
I am anxious to ensure that the support services are properly targeted at the children who require them and that the substantially increased resources which are being made available in the special educational area have the desired effect of ensuring that all children assessed as having special educational needs receive the support they require.
In Circular 24/03, my Department stated its intention to engage in discussions with representative interests with a view to developing a weighted system of teacher allocations for special needs teaching. The allocation of an additional 350 teaching posts for special needs and a new system for the allocation of resources for special needs in primary schools have now been approved. Details of the weighted system are outlined in Circular SP ED 09/04, which will issue to schools this week. A copy of the circular may be viewed on my Department's website. Special needs assistants may be approved to support a pupil who has a significant medical need for such assistance, a significant impairment of physical or sensory function or where his or her behaviour is such that the pupil is a danger to himself or herself or other pupils. The criteria and procedures relating to the allocation of special needs assistant support are outlined in my Department's Circular 07/02. This circular may be accessed on my Department's website under children with special needs.
Claims for improvement in the conditions of service of teachers must be processed through the Teachers Conciliation Council.
