29th January - Two years of free pre-school would lessen social inequality
Two years of free pre-school would lessen social inequality, says IPPN President.
The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) free preschool year has been a huge success. Children are now finding the transition to mainstream easier and have developed strong school readiness and integration skills in most instances. They also have higher levels of cognitive and speech and language development.
Brendan McCabe, President of the Irish Primary Principals’ Network (IPPN), told members, “I believe a second free ECCE year would be a wonderful investment in our children’s future. It would allow our children to enter primary school on a much more level playing pitch.”
29th January - Children's Learning affected
Children’s learning affected by demands placed on Teaching Principals.
President of the Irish Primary Principals’ Network (IPPN), Brendan McCabe, claimed seven out of ten Principals have to teach a class and attend to full principal duties in Irish primary schools. This dual role impacts on the children in the class who miss out on quality teaching time.
He told his members, “You are not a teaching principal. That term has got to go. You are a Principal and a full time Teacher. You are in fact double jobbing. And, despite what the DES asks of you it is nearly impossible to do both jobs at the same time and completely impossible to do both to the consistently high standards we as principals strive to achieve.”
25th November - €28m Minor Works grant
Minister for Education and Skills announces €28m Minor Works grant for National Schools.
Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O’Sullivan, TD, today announced the provision of €28m in funding for primary schools in 2014. The Minor Works Grant will issue to all primary schools with permanent recognition next week. The €28m fund is focused on improving the physical infrastructure of schools and investment in equipment and furniture.
The rates payable are €5,500 per school plus €18.50 per mainstream pupil and €74 per special needs pupil. The grant is worth €6,425 for a 50 pupil school and more than €11,000 for a 300 pupil school.
14th Oct 2014 - IPPN's Reaction to Budget 2015
IPPN welcomed the announcement that there are additional teachers and SNAs allocated in Budget 2015. However, this increased figure will cater for the increase in the growing school population and a positive impact will not be felt for children in the class room.
Following the announcements for this year’s budget, IPPN has an immense concern for the continued decrease in capitation grants that has gone relatively unspoken for 2015. A 1% reduction a year for primary school capitation and related grants was announced in Budget 2012, the final percentage decrease will take place in 2015.
