Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 October 2014
126. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will examine an issue of 35 pupils in a classroom (details supplied) in County Kerry; if she will address the issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39503/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the previous 30th September. At primary level the staffing schedule operates in a clear and transparent manner and treats all similar types of schools equally irrespective of location. The configuration of classes and the deployment of classroom teachers are done at local school level. The primary staffing schedule currently operates on the basis of a general average of 1 classroom teacher for every 28 pupils, with lower thresholds for DEIS Band 1 schools.
The national average class size at primary level is 24.8 pupils. However, with over 21,100 classes in over 3,100 primary schools throughout the country there will always be variations in class sizes at individual school level. My Department's guidance to schools is that the number of pupils in any class is kept as low as possible taking all relevant contextual factors into account (e.g. classroom accommodation, fluctuating enrolment etc.). School authorities are also requested, where possible, to use their autonomy under the staffing schedule to implement smaller class sizes for junior classes.
The school referred to by the Deputy has 4 classroom teachers this school year based on an enrolment of 102 pupils on 30th September 2013. This facilitates an average class size of 25 pupils per class.
Schools with significantly increasing enrolments are catered for within the staffing arrangements by being allocated teachers on the basis of their current pupil numbers rather than on a previous year basis which is the case for the majority of schools. The staffing appeals process has been extended to include a new criterion which helps those schools that make a significant contribution to the provision of school places, which assists the response to demographic growth within their area, and as a result are under significant pressure on their class sizes at infants level.
The school referred to has not applied for additional teaching staff under either of these measures.
