Cathal BarryOne-teacher Catholic primary schools putting strain on management
The head of the Catholic Primary Schools Management Association (CPSMA) has said the high number of one-teacher schools in Ireland is a “major concern”.
CPSMA general secretary Fr Tom Deenihan also warned that it “seems certain” that the number of these schools will rise in the coming years.
Recently-released figures reveal the number of one-teacher Catholic primary schools almost doubled this year.
There are currently 32 one-teacher Catholic primary schools in Ireland, up from just 18 last year.
“Obviously, the number of one-teacher schools represents a major concern for management, teachers and parents from a health and safety, educational and socialisation context,” Fr Deenihan told The Irish Catholic.
“It seems certain that the number of one-teacher schools will rise in the years ahead.”
Fr Deenihan revealed that the CPSMA were engaging in “ongoing discussions” with teacher unions and the Department of Education and Skills in relation to the issue.
No option
“In many cases, there is no option for a local community, there being no other school nearby. However, in areas where such an option exists, local discussion may arrive at a consensus as to the viability and desirability of having a number of such schools in an area.
“The availability of clear protocols around rationalisations and concessions would be of great help to such local communities,” he said.