Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 July 2021
96. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education the number of primary schools in the State that had only one classroom teacher, that is, the principal of the school during the school year 2020-2021; if she plans adopting a policy that all schools no matter their size will have two classroom teachers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34175/21]
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 30 September. The staffing process contains an appeals mechanism for schools to submit a staffing appeal under certain criteria, including a specific one aimed at small schools, to an independent Primary Staffing Appeals Board.
Previous budgets of 2016 and 2018 improved the staffing schedule by one point on both occasions to its historically lowest level ever of 1 teacher to 26 pupils.
Budget 2017 also announced two adjustments in relation to one teacher schools. Where the school is the sole primary school on an island, the school will be able to appoint a second teacher. An additional appeal option was introduced for single teacher schools with pupils across six or more class groups, allowing them to apply for the appointment or retention of a second teacher on reduced enrolment thresholds.
Budget 2021 implemented a further 1 point reduction for the 2021/22 school year so that primary schools will be allocated teaching posts on an average basis of 1 classroom teacher for every 25 pupils which has brought the teacher allocation ratio in all primary schools to the most favourable ever seen at primary level. In addition, there has been a three point reduction in the retention schedule, which will assist schools that would otherwise be at risk of losing teaching posts. This measure will help ensure better teacher retention in primary schools while also ensuring that less pupils are required to retain or recruit a teacher.
The Department provides an ancillary grant top-up, where required, to one teacher schools to ensure that there is a second adult in the school for the duration of the school day.
In the current school year, 29 schools had one classroom teacher.
The Programme for Government commits to continuing to recognise the importance of small schools to communities across Ireland and the Department is working with our Partners to support this commitment.
