IPPN supports small boost for small school
- Last Updated: Tuesday, 11 August 2015 17:18
The Irish Primary Principals’ Network (IPPN) is pleased to learn of Minister O’ Sullivan’s policy shift on small schools. Seán Cottrell, CEO of IPPN stated ‘The positive impact of reducing the number of children required to retain a teacher cannot be underestimated. When a small school loses a teacher it can often have a devastating effect on the school and its broader community.’
‘Recognition by the DES that some small schools are in isolated locations is also significant. Lifting the threat of closing small schools in remote locations is a major boost to morale. These measures bring some comfort to many isolated communities’, stated Brendan McCabe, IPPN President.
The previous Minister for Education and Skills was seen by many to favour amalgamations over other solutions. For many in this situation, it is believed that the closure of their school would see the demise of their community. However, Minister O’Sullivan’s announcement clearly states that schools with declining enrolments that are within 8kms of the nearest school with the same type of patronage and language instruction will be encouraged to enter voluntary discussions about the viability of their school and the service they provide.
