Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 311: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if the North Kildare School Project, Celbridge, County Kildare, is fully staffed to meet the requirements of its new eight classroom school building, including double autistic unit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8333/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year. The actual number of mainstream posts sanctioned is determined by reference to a staffing schedule and is finalised for a particular year following discussions with the education partners.

The mainstream staffing of the school referred to by the Deputy for the current school year is a principal and nine mainstream class teachers based on the enrolment of 250 pupils on 30 September 2003. The school also has the services of two full-time resource teachers, one part-time resource teacher and a shared learning support teacher. According to data submitted to my Department by the board of management, the enrolment on 30 September 2004 was 245 pupils. The staffing for the 2005-06 school year will be determined on the basis of this figure in accordance with the agreed staffing schedule which is expected to be notified to boards of management shortly.

My officials are continuing to liaise with the school management concerning the provision of resources for the autistic unit.