Schools suffer cuts to services since 1,900 middle-management posts axed

STUDENTS are losing out on services of teachers assigned special duties – to monitor attendance, co-ordinate special needs resources and run book rental schemes – as 1,900 middle- management posts are axed from second-level schools.

A survey of 210 schools by the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD) reveals that 545 assistant principal, special duties teacher and programme coordinator jobs have been left vacant since September due to a ban on promotions to these jobs.

Their work covers a range of responsibilities but can include duties which help weaker students and those more likely to drop out of school, year heads, book rental organisers, facilitators for first-year students and those organising help for those with special needs.