Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 June 2022
550. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education the recourse that a school has if an appeal to retain a teaching post is not successful and enrolment figures continue to increase in the meantime; the additional resources that are available to a school which has lost a teacher but will take in a number of Ukrainian refugee children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31926/22]
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.
For the 2022/23 school year, the staffing schedule for primary schools has been improved by one point and schools will be provided with class teachers on the basis of 1 teacher for every 24 pupils which is a historical low ratio, with lower thresholds applying to DEIS Urban Band 1 schools.
The staffing arrangements include a provision whereby schools experiencing rapid increases in enrolment can apply for additional permanent mainstream posts, using projected enrolment. These posts are approved provisionally pending confirmation of enrolment on 30th September. Details on the application process is available in Circular 25/2022.
The staffing process also contains an appeals mechanism for schools to submit a staffing appeal under certain criteria to an independent Primary Staffing Appeals Board. Details of the appeal process are available in Circular 25/2022. Where there is a change in circumstance of the appealing school, e.g. additional enrolments, the school may submit a new appeal.
Language support for Ukrainian pupils is continuing for the 2022/23 school year. Schools have been notified of the application process available for such support.
