Parents and communities cover education fund shortfall

THE extent to which parents and local communities fund vital services to the country’s schools is highlighted in dozens of inspection reports published by the Department of Education yesterday.

The whole school evaluation reports of 24 primary schools and 11 second-level schools all highlight the fundraising carried out to complement public funding received for buildings, staff and teaching resources.

The reports are based on visits to the schools by the department’s own inspectors earlier this year and can be viewed on the department website (www.education.ie).