Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

250. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of times the inspectorate of his Department has challenged the use of reduced timetables in the context of the school inspection process since 2011; if so, the year in which a challenge was made; the county in which it was made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37695/19]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Inspectorate is committed to supporting continuous improvement in the provision for and school experience of learners at risk of educational disadvantage (DEIS) and students with special educational needs (SEN). In line with this purpose, in September 2018, the Inspectorate amended elements of its DEIS and SEN inspections to include a focus on the issue of students on reduced timetables. Prior to that date, inspection models did not include a specific focus on the issue.

Where relevant, inspectors are currently required to discuss the issue of reduced timetables with school principals and management teams and to make a judgement as to the appropriateness or otherwise of the school’s actions.

DEIS inspections have been conducted in the following counties since September 2018: Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Donegal, Cavan, Mayo, Galway, Wexford, Longford and Clare. DEIS evaluations conducted since September 2018 have identified seventeen cases of students being placed on reduced timetables. In each case, inspectors examined the school’s rationale for the implementation of the measure and determined that the school’s actions were appropriate.

SEN inspections have been conducted in the following counties since September 2018: Dublin, Cork, Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Mayo, Roscommon, Galway, Kildare, Wicklow, Tipperary, Leitrim, Longford, Westmeath, Kerry, Monaghan, Laois and Clare.

SEN inspections conducted since September 2018, have identified thirteen cases of students being placed on reduced timetables. In all cases, inspectors examined the school’s rationale for the implementation of the measure and determined that the school’s actions were appropriate.