Schools told to submit timetables after guidance cuts

All second-level schools have been reminded to submit their teacher timetables days after concerns emerged that students may be losing out as schools try to limit the effect of cuts to guidance counselling.

The Department of Education said it was surprised and concerned last week at unconfirmed reports that a small number of second-level schools were sending some students home early or timetabling study periods instead of taught classes.

It said compliance with the requirement that students receive 28 hours of teaching a week was examined during inspections at hundreds of schools eachyear.

The department is invoking a measure, available since 2009 but not previously used, requiring all second-level schools to submit their teacher timetables by the end of September.

A spokesperson said school organisations were notified of the request for detailed timetables in April and it was a coincidence that they are being reminded following last week’s report on RTÉ.

The inclusion of guidance counselling hours in schools’ overall teaching allocations for the first time has forced schools to make a choice between cutting guidance provision, limiting subject choices, mixing higher and ordinary-level classes, or combinations of any of these measures.

In a letter to all second-level principals, assistant chief inspector Suzanne Dillon said formulating timetables was a core function of management in ensuring effective deployment of resources and the provision of a broad, high-quality educational experience.

The National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals said it was not aware of any schools that have cut teaching hours from their timetables to protect guidance counselling hours.

“It is the first week back and we’re trying to get a picture of the impact. But schools have to operate within the requirements for 28 hours of teaching laid down by the department,” said director Clive Byrne.