Irish Teacher: The budget gives free books — but do they have any place in a modern classroom?

"In principle, it’s a huge relief for parents. The Barnardos survey this year recorded parents having to pay €424 to equip a fourth-class student going back to school."

It’s morning. It’s raining outside. I’ve just hung up the washing to dry on the clothes horse. I’m still resisting putting the heating on. Like most of us, I’m conscious of rising costs, so I’m hoping the sun comes out, brightens the heavy wool of grey cloud, hoping my wet towels get a fighting chance.

Hopeful is my go-to emotion this week. In some ways, the budget announcements are buoying me along. In education, the reduction in teacher/student ratio is entirely positive. We can never go wrong by investing in the time and space we need to build relationships in classrooms. Never. This is only good, good, good.