Substitution funding decision ‘a planning nightmare’

SCHOOLS face planning nightmares trying to arrange important exam-related and other activities as there is no certainty over funding for substitution cover after Christmas.

Since January 2009, second-level schools have been given a set number of substitution hours to cover teachers on uncertified sick leave or on official school business, depending on the number of students.

This allows teachers to take classes on such activities as field trips for geography, gallery visits for art students or to theatres to see performances of dramas being studied for the Junior or Leaving Certificate.