350 fewer resource teachers

SCHOOLS have 350 fewer teachers to help rising numbers of students with learning difficulties than before the summer holidays.

The Department of Education has imposed a cap on the number of resource teachers who can be appointed at 9,960, and 9,856 were working in schools last April.

This included more than 5,300 whose appointment was sanctioned by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE). Its approval is needed for teaching supports for primary pupils with more serious learning difficulties and for all second level students who need extra teaching.