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 school year. This is in accordance with guidelines agreed between my Department and the education partners. The enrolment of the school referred to by the Deputy at 30 September 2003 was, 374 pupils, which warrants a staffing of principal plus 13 mainstream posts for the 2004-05 school year.
The staffing schedule 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 the smallest classes is kept to a minimum. To ensure transparency and openness in the system an independent appeals board is now in place to decide on any appeals on mainstream staffing. Details of the appeals procedure are outlined in Department primary circular 03/04.