Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2020
127. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider reducing the pupil-teacher ratio to ensure smaller class sizes in DEIS band 1 schools in the context of the loss of teaching time, the impact on children from deprived backgrounds and the particular need for smaller class sizes in DEIS band one schools. [11702/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe DEIS programme allows for a reduced class size in Urban Band 1 primary schools with the application of a preferential staffing schedule to these schools of 20:1 at junior classes and 24:1 at senior classes to support those students at the highest risk of educational disadvantage.
As the Deputy may be aware, DEIS Plan acknowledges the allocation of teaching resources to DEIS primary schools with the highest concentrations of children at risk of educational disadvantage has served to improve learning outcomes. It also commits to the evaluation of the level of teaching resources for schools participating in DEIS to be undertaken to inform future policy in this area.
In order to facilitate this a Class Size Working Group was established comprising representatives from the Education Partners, the Educational Research Centre and the relevant Business Units in my Department. This group has met on a number of occasions to consider class size in the context of improved learning outcomes of those most at risk of educational disadvantage.
A report on the work of this group is currently being finalised, and will take into consideration the feedback and observations of the working group members. It is intended that the findings of this report will inform future policy direction in this area.
In relation to class sizes for the return to school following measures taken to reduce the impact of Covid-19, the National Return to Work Safely Protocol will inform discussions with all education partners so that appropriate guidance for schools is developed and arrangements put in place in time for the new school year.
