Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 October 2021
236. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Education if she will allow any flexibility for rural schools when it comes to retaining a teacher in which student numbers have reduced given the continued complexities of Covid-19 in school communities and the impact of the loss of a teacher to a school, its students and the wider community; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48910/21]
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. Primary schools are currently provided with class teachers on the basis of one teacher for every 25 pupils which is at its historically lowest 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 builds on measures in previous budgets which has seen improvements in the overall allocation of teaching posts and specific targeted measures for small and isolated schools as well as primary schools on our islands.
The staffing process contains an appeals mechanism for schools to submit a staffing appeal under certain criteria to an independent Primary Staffing Appeals Board, including a specific measure aimed at small schools. The Primary Staffing Appeals Board will meet later this month to consider staffing appeals in respect of the current school year.
