Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 December 2004
218 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the average class size in a national school (details supplied) in Kilkenny is 28 children per class, which is not in line with the recommended pupil-teacher ratio; if she will take the steps, as necessary, to lower the class size in this particular school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32905/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe staffing of a primary school for a particular school year is determined by reference to the enrolment in 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 staffing schedule is structured to ensure that all primary schools will operate to an average mainstream class size of 29 pupils. I have requested my Department's inspectorate to monitor the deployment of staff and class sizes and, where necessary, to discuss with school authorities the basis on which school policy decisions in this regard have been made, and to report to my Department, where appropriate.
The mainstream staffing of the school to which the Deputy refers for this school year is a principal and seven mainstream class teachers based on the enrolment of 196 pupils on 30 September 2003. The school also has a resource post and a shared learning support post. This school is included in the rural dimension of Giving Children an Even Break. The school benefits from supplementary funding to provide additional educational supports for the children concerned.
According to data submitted to my Department by the board of management the enrolment on 30 September 2004 was 197 pupils. The staffing for the 2005-06 school year will be determined on the basis of this figure in accordance with the agreed staffing schedule which is expected to be notified to boards of management early in 2005.
