Marian Harkin
Ceist:262. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to reduce the retention figures for two teacher schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4943/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 13 May 2020
Ceisteanna (262)
Freagraí scríofa
Budget 2020 has provided for improved teacher staffing levels for small schools. This measure will see a more favourable pupil teacher ratio in small schools from September 2020. This improved schedule will apply in two, three and four teacher schools and ensure one less pupil is required to retain/recruit a teacher. This has been implemented in the recently published Circular 0018/2020 which sets out the staffing arrangements for primary schools for the 2020/21 school year.
This builds on measures in previous budgets which has seen improvements in the appointment and retention thresholds for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th classroom teacher and more favourable enrolment thresholds for one teacher schools situated 8km or more from the nearest school of the same type of patronage and/or language of instruction.
Small schools have also benefitted from the 1 point improvement to the primary staffing schedule for all schools implemented in 2016 and again in 2018.
In addition, the staffing process includes an appeals mechanism for schools to submit a staffing appeal under certain criteria, including a specific appeal measure for small schools, to the Primary Staffing Appeals Board.