IPPN

Children benefit from small classes in early years - study [IrishTimes]

Published: 29 December 2009

REDUCTIONS IN class size are a considerable benefit to children in primary schools, according to a new report.

The research, published in the American Journal of Education, says small classes in the early years of schooling help all children, irrespective of their academic ability.

Full Story: www.irishtimes.com

Payment pledge not being met [IrishTimes]

Published: 29 December 2009

LESS THAN half of payments by the Departments of Justice and the Taoiseach to suppliers were made within 15 days of invoicing, despite the Government’s pledge to meet this improved payment deadline.

Figures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act show more than 54 per cent of payments by the Department of Justice were made after the new target date had passed.

Full Story: www.irishtimes.com

Minister O'Keeffe announces €22m for laptops in primary schools [education.ie]

Published: 29 December 2009

Over 3,000 primary schools are receiving €22 million in grants to buy laptops and digital projectors as part of the Government's plan for smart classrooms, according to the Minister for Education and Science, Batt O’Keeffe TD.

In total, 3,213 primary schools are getting grants ranging from €1,769 to €33,000.

Each school gets a basic grant of €1,700 plus €34.59 per pupil.

Full Story: www.education.ie

Tourism chiefs hoping to attract school pupils [Independent.ie]

Published: 29 December 2009

Ministers have targeted transition year students in a bid to keep the home fires burning in the tourism industry in 2010.

With a dramatic slump in overseas visitors to Ireland, tourism chiefs are depending on greater domestic support to help the industry weather the downturn.

There are about 30,000 transition year students, many of whom enjoy a holiday or study period abroad during the year.

Full Story: www.independent.ie