School Staffing

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 May 2010

Tuesday, 25 May 2010

Ceisteanna (420)

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

448 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will ensure that a school (details supplied) in County Limerick can keep its complement of staff for the behaviour support classroom in view of the excellent work being done, the high level of economic deprivation and the number of students who have recommendations of support by way of psychological reports; her views on whether a school such as this needs to retain all of its support staff; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21805/10]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

The National Behaviour Support Service (NBSS) provides behaviour improvement support and advice to 62 schools nationally and special behaviour support classrooms/programmes have been established in 30 of these schools. Behaviour support classrooms/programmes provide an individualised intensive intervention for students who are unable to abide by a schools code of behaviour. This intervention teaches appropriate behaviours to students and also addresses literacy issues if they arise. The core purpose of a behaviour support classroom/ programme is to enable a student to access all education provision in their school. All schools with a behaviour support classroom/programme have the equivalent of two additional teachers above their allocation. The school in question has a behaviour support classroom/programme and therefore has the equivalent of two additional teachers above their allocation. In addition the school also has the ongoing support and advice from a Regional Development Officer.