IPPN

Published: 04 June 2020

Many school leaders have been approached by parents with requests that their child be retained in the same class as last year due to the situation arising from COVID-19. The DES has advised that COVID-19 does not constitute grounds for pupils to repeat a class. If parents are unhappy with the decision, it may be advisable to consult with the school’s Inspector for guidance. All decisions to repeat a class continue to be governed by DES Circular 32/2003, which refers to the retention of pupils in the same class. The DES does not encourage retention generally, but a decision to retain a pupil may to be justified on the basis of sound educational reasons, which would benefit the needs of the child.

Examples of this may include:

• Where a child has not achieved sufficient levels of literacy or numeracy
• Missed a significant level of schooling perhaps due to illness
• Emotional/behavioural issues that impeded their learning during the course of the year.

Under the policy, children should only be allowed to repeat a year for educational reasons and in exceptional circumstances. The child’s age must also be taken into account. A school should always endeavour to place a child in an age-appropriate setting.  

A letter needs to be submitted by the parents requesting retention and stating their reasons why they think such a request should be granted.

The principal, following consultation with the support teacher, class teacher and parent(s), may conclude that a pupil would benefit educationally by repeating a class level. A record outlining the educational basis for the decision to retain a child should be kept for any pupil so retained. In addition, there should be a clear programme outlined for such a pupil that records precisely what new approach will be used for the child and what its expected benefits will be. These records should be retained within the school and should be brought to the Inspector’s attention by the Principal when s/he visits the school. No pupil should repeat a grade more than once in a primary school.  If the decision to retain the child is made, an IPLP should be drawn up indicating what interventions will be put in place for the child to maximise their learning experience.

In instances where a school has approved the retention of a pupil in 6th class, no capitation grant will be paid by the DES for this pupil in the following school academic year.

Issues to Consider:

• Decision to be based on the developmental/learning needs of the child
• The impact of a decision to repeat on the self-esteem of the child and on friendships etc. Children frequently see ‘repeating’ as punishment for ‘not doing well’, even
• When they themselves feel they’ve done their best
• Children with an assessed learning need (SEN), may be best supported by ‘moving on’, with appropriate supports
• Are both parents (where applicable) in agreement about the issue?
• Children have a right (as far as possible) to be placed in class groupings with peers of a similar age and stage of development.