IPPN

Published: 08 September 2022

The Department of Education has sought feedback from IPPN in relation to the procedures detailed in Section 37A of the Education Act, which gives the Minister the power to compel a school to open a special class or provide additional places. The DE is seeking recommendations as to how this process can be improved and has communicated directly with schools & patrons who were engaged in this process, as well as the NCSE and the Advisory group of the EPSEN Act review.

As part of this consultation, IPPN was asked to consider and respond to the following questions:

1. What if any steps could be removed from the current Section 37A process?
2. If such step(s) were removed, what impact would this have on the processes you were engaged in (if any)?
3. What other changes, if any, would you recommend to the current Section 37A process?
4. What consultations, if any, did your school (if applicable) hold with your school community in relation to the Section 37A process?
5. Did the guidance available from PBU on planning and building works support the school where building works were required? If so can you outline any additional supports that would assist with same?
6. What impact did the Section 37A process have on your school/ school community (if applicable)?
7. How much time (approximately) was spent engaging in communications in relation to Section 37A process by your school/ members? (if applicable)
8. If all communications were not required to be published, would this allow more open communication between the school and the Department of Education?
9. Is there any additional feedback on the legislative process in relation to Section 37A?

IPPN would appreciate input from members on any of these questions by Friday 12th September. The submission has to be sent in a week later.