New policies for small schools to benefit Offaly pupils- Corcoran Kennedy

“Two new policies to support the sustainability of small schools announced by the Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O’Sullivan, will mean that St Kieran’s National School in Clareen will remain a three teacher school and Naomh Brogain, Brackna will remain a four teacher school”, says Marcella Corcoran Kennedy, Fine Gael TD for Laois/Offaly.

“The issue of small schools is extremely important in rural Ireland. Cuts to the education budget resulted in an increase in enrolment numbers for small schools and this was of serious concern to many small schools in Offaly.

“The two new policies introduced will mean changes to the staffing schedule for some small schools and a voluntary protocol for future sustainability for one teacher schools with reducing enrolments.

“In real terms these changes will mean that from the 2015/16 school year 19, rather than 20 pupils will be needed to retain a second teacher, 53 rather than 56 will be needed to keep three teachers and for four teacher schools 83 rather than 86 pupils must be enrolled.

“For one teacher schools located more than 8km from the nearest schools of the same patronage and language, the number of pupils necessary will be reduced from 20 to 15. This is a significant step forward in supporting the sustainability of the most rural schools.

“The new voluntary protocol for one teacher schools located within 8kms of another similar school will mean that the patrons will be invited to reflect on their future sustainability and to engage on the supports available if they decide to amalgamate.  No small school will close under this amalgamation policy unless the patron and community choose to do so.

“With the economy recovering, now is the time to give back to those who have sacrificed most and who have brought this country through the worst recession in our State’s history. Tax cuts and changes to USC announced in the budget were step one of this process and now changes like those announced today will have a huge impact on the daily lives of thousands of rural people.

“Small schools play an essential role in rural life, especially in more isolated communities and I welcome the package of measures announced today as they provide security and protection for our small schools.”