17th July 2009 - Primary Education - Shredded by 'An Bord Snip'
- Last Updated: Monday, 20 July 2009 09:40
Children will suffer yet again from the excessive waste and poor policy decisions by successive governments.
The Irish Primary Principals' Network (IPPN) has described the latest recommendations for cuts in Primary education as a devastating blow to an already under funded primary system. Regardless of the overall severity of the cuts, yet again primary education is bearing the brunt of the cuts when compared to second and third level.
Capitation GrantThe total recommended reduction of staff numbers in second and third level amounts to 3,240. This is in contrast to the 3,400 reduction in staffing, recommended to be taken from primary schools. On the same basis the recommended reduction of the capitation grant which covers the running cost for second level schools is 10%. Larry Fleming, President, IPPN stated that "there is no rationale provided for the recommendation of double that amount - a 20% cut for primary schools". Based on these recommendations Fleming adds "that many schools will become bankrupt".
Special Education Needs
"The recommendations are a direct attack on the most vulnerable children in the primary school system" stated Seán Cottrell, Director, IPPN. Cottrell added "that children with special needs, traveller children and children for which English is a second language are being dealt a savage blow if these recommendations become a reality. No government could ever stand over the destruction of these essential services - Special Needs Assistants and education psychologists without whom children with SEN cannot survive in mainstream classes".
Small Schools
IPPN questions the recommendation that the amalgamation of small schools would save €25m. Amalgamations inevitably require considerable capital investment to facilitate the merger. Larry Fleming went on to say that "it is disappointing that the report makes no reference to the IPPN model of school clustering. Our research shows that the best way to gain cost efficiencies in smaller schools is to establish clusters with shared services.'
Policy U-Turn
It is ironic that a consultant to this government is now recommending a reversal of very recent policy in relation to NEWB, NCSE and NCCA with their reintegration into the DES. We cannot afford the cost of whimsical policy shifts which do little to improve service quality. Principals strive to manage schools professionally, according to Cottrell, where essential services are in a state of constant flux.
Class Size
The increase in class size will have a significant effect on the overall quality of teaching and learning particularly when this recommendation is effectively increasing class size by 2 children for 27 to 29.
Ends
