IPPN Statement re. Section 37a
- Published: 29 June 2022
As the professional body for primary school leaders, IPPN recognises the current pressure within the system in terms of a shortage of places for children with complex additional needs in special classes and in special schools in Dublin.
IPPN fully supports the principle of ensuring equal access to quality inclusive education for all learners. This inclusion must be planned, supported and resourced. The current shortage of places in special classes and in special schools highlights the inadequacy of such planning.
It is IPPN’s view that the decision to publish the names of four schools that had been identified as not having engaged sufficiently with regard to the possibility of opening special classes, a determination that is at odds with the facts presented by the schools, was ill-informed, ill-advised and ill-judged.
INTO and IPPN Joint Statement
- Published: 24 June 2022
Education Partners Condemn Minister’s Spin on Special Education
Saturday, 25 June 2022
The Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) and the Irish Primary Principals’ Network (IPPN) condemn the politicised decision by the Department of Education to name a small number of Dublin primary schools who have raised reasonable concerns relating to a lack of resources required to deliver a quality education to students with special educational needs.
On Thursday (23 June), the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) convened a consultative meeting with education partners. This consultation was in keeping with the requirements set out under the Section 37A process, which sets out the legal process in place to engage with schools and representative bodies on the issue of special education provision. Representatives of teachers, principals and SNAs, school managerial authorities and school patrons attended the meeting.
IPPN response to DE Circulars issued 11th April
- Published: 12 April 2022
It is a matter of significant concern to IPPN that the staffing circular for the 2022/23 school year was so late in issuing to schools.IPPN has been lobbying for the publication of this important circular since February, to ensure that schools had sufficient time to determine their allocation of mainstream class and special education teachers for next year. Not only would this have provided certainty to the teachers that may have been impacted but it would also have meant that redeployment and clustering could have been completed in a timely fashion and at a more appropriate time.
As the circular is two months later issuing than would be preferable, the process of planning for next year has been delayed and compromised.Given the challenging circumstances in which schools have been operating this year, it is most regrettable that school leaders find themselves in this situation.
New Freephone Number
- Published: 24 January 2022
IPPN's New Freephone Leadership Support Number:
1800 21 22 23
You can also reach us on 021 4824070 (standard rates apply). This is due to a decision by Comreg last March, by January 31st, 2022, 1890 numbers will be withdrawn and only 1800 (free-phone) and 0818 will remain.
E-scéal 16 December - Nollaig Shona Ó IPPN
- Published: 20 December 2021
Here is a Christmas message from our President Brian O'Doherty. IPPN will be making a donation to St Vincent De Paul in lieu of sending Christmas cards.
