Teacher staffing changes to hit small schools

The Department of Education is increasing the number of pupils that small schools must have to keep or gain a second, third or fourth teacher from next September.

Each year, school classroom teacher allocations are based on enrolments the previous autumn.

The changes to staffing schedules for small schools are estimated to result in the loss of a teacher to about 100 schools next September, saving the department about €1.5m this year. By 2014, the number of teaching posts saved will rise to about 250, or equivalent to a cost saving of €15m a year.

Department officials and Education Minister Ruairi Quinn have said the changes are not designed as a measure to force schools in rural Ireland to close.

However, in budget briefing documents, the department says: “The phasing of these measures provides the schools concerned with time to consider their future and the potential for amalgamation with other schools where this is feasible.”