Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 October 2014
99. Deputy Gabrielle McFadden asked the Minister for Education and Skills her plans for the reinstatement of dedicated supports for non-English speaking children, in view of the fact that it is proving difficult for teachers to teach a class of 28 or 30 with several non-English speaking children. [39330/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraTeacher allocations are approved annually in accordance with established rules based on recognised pupil enrolment. Reforms introduced in the 2012/13 school year created a single simplified allocation process to cover both learning and language support. At primary level, GAM/EAL (learning/language support) hours are allocated on the basis of mainstream classroom teaching posts in the school. At post-primary level, learning/language support is allocated on the basis of pupil numbers. Schools have autonomy to deploy this resource between learning support and language support depending on the specific needs of the school. The new arrangements also provided for additional permanent teaching posts to be given to schools with high concentration of pupils that require language support. Further additional temporary EAL support is also provided, as necessary, to schools that have high concentrations of pupils (at least 20% of total enrolment) that require language support. These allocations are made on the basis of appeals by any of these schools to the Staffing Appeals Board. The appeal criteria are set out in the published staffing arrangements.
