Seán Crowe
Ceist:449 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will review and reconsider the decision to remove the first mainstream teacher from a school (details supplied) in County Donegal. [18242/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 31 May 2005
Ceisteanna (433)
Freagraí scríofa
The staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year and by reference to a staffing schedule. This staffing schedule is outlined in primary Circular 15/05 which issued to all primary schools recently. This is in line with guidelines agreed between my Department and the education partners.
In the current school year the mainstream staffing of the school referred to by the Deputy comprises a principal and one mainstream class teaching posts. This is based on an enrolment of 12 pupils at 30 September 2003. The mainstream staffing of the school for the 2005-06 school year will consist of a principal teacher. This is based on an enrolment of ten pupils at 30 September 2004.
To ensure openness and transparency in the system an independent appeals board is now in place to decide on any appeals. The criteria under which an appeal can be made are set out in Department primary circular 19/02 which is also available on my Department's website. The appeals board will meet in June, July and October to consider appeals on the mainstream teaching allocation to schools for the 2005-06 school year. The closing dates for appeals are 3 June, 24 June and 7 October. Appeals must be submitted to Primary Payments Section, Department of Education and Science, Athlone, on the standard application form, clearly stating the criterion under which the appeal is being made. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to intervene in the operation of the independent appeals board.
My Department has now completed its review of the general allocation system of teaching support for those pupils within the high incidence disability category and those pupils with learning support needs. The new model replaces that which was notified to schools in June 2004 which has been reviewed to take account of difficulties that it may have caused for smaller schools.
The introduction of this new system will involve the provision of an estimated additional 340 permanent posts in primary schools from September next. A further 320 posts are being provided on a temporary basis to facilitate the transition to the new system. It is a matter for schools to make arrangements to provide teaching support to those pupils who qualify for such support from their general allocation.
My Department has now issued a letter to all primary schools notifying them of their general allocation and their clustering arrangements, if appropriate. The allocation for the school referred to by the Deputy is 2.5 hours per week. The school has also received a transitional allocation of 2.5 hours per week. My Department is also finalising a circular for schools which will contain detailed information on how the new system will operate. It is intended that this circular will issue before the end of the current school year.