INTO hits out at lack of support for foreign pupils
The Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) annual congress heard that as well as language support, children often require psychological support linked to the experiences that led to their families coming to Ireland.
Angela Dunne, the union’s new vice-president said that some large schools, particularly in Dublin and other cities, are now reporting that between 25% and 30% of their pupils were born outside Ireland.
“In some cases, they are in areas with levels of socioeconomic disadvantage, with the attendant demands that this brings on the school. In these areas, the already stretched resources of schools, in terms of buildings, teaching staff and other supports are unable to adequately meet the needs of the increased school population,” she said.
The Department of Education provides two language support teachers for any school with 28 pupils whose first language is not English.
But no further assistance is available, even for the growing numbers of schools with more than 100 foreign students.
Dublin West branch delegate, David O’Sullivan, said the cap meant his school had to adopt what he termed a “Ryanair” policy. This meant it had oversubscribed groups of pupils seeking assistance but teachers only had a very short turnaround time in which to help them.
The staffing policies for schools with larger numbers of non-English speaking pupils is currently being reviewed by the Department of Education.
Ms Dunne said that, for many newcomer children, the departure from their home country may have been associated with trauma.
“The lack of support in the Irish school and health service for children with emotional needs affects these children. Schools also find that cultural differences make it difficult for some children to settle in an Irish school,” she said.
She said that the absence of an adequate language support or psychological service throughout the country means schools are struggling to identify where these children’s needs might be best met.
