Department order penalizes disadvantaged schools
The Department of Education and Science in Dublin has ordered schools to abolish Middle Infants classes, an extra junior grade which is used by some schools in disadvantaged areas. There is widespread anger in these schools at the Department's decision.
Middle Infants is an additional grade after Junior Infants which provides a necessary space for pupils who are not yet ready for Senior Infants. It is particularly important for schools and communities where disadvantage is concentrated. The government was challenged on the axing of this grade in the Dáil on Tuesday by Sinn Féin TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin. He cited the example of the Junior Convent School in Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan, which is one of the affected schools:
``Castleblayney is a prime example. It is one of the most disadvantaged towns in the entire country. There is a lack of economic development, a high level of long-term unemployment and a disproportionate level of social problems such as early school leaving, teenage pregnancy and child sexual abuse. In the words of the principal of the Junior Convent School:
ÔWe have children who are suffering depression, children who have attempted suicide and children whose parents have committed suicide. We have children who are living in very poor conditions due to dysfunctional home management.'
``The Junior Convent School in Castleblayney is due to be allocated two new teachers in September because of an increase in numbers. The principal now states that if Middle Infants is abolished the school will lose those two teachers in two years and also possibly one other teacher. Parents will have to be told before the holidays in June whether or not their children can do Middle Infants. They enrolled their children last year thinking that this grade would be available to them and over 20 have requested Middle Infants for their children this year.
``There has been a Middle Infants grade at the Junior School since 1975. Every year since then middle infants has catered for somewhere between 20 and 25 pupils. Parents make the final decision in consultation with staff regarding the placement of children in this class. Teachers and parents are unanimous in their support for the retention of this class and in their belief in its proven success.
``The existence of the Middle Infants grade shows an understanding of and compassion for the needs of children, particularly the most disadvantaged. Crucially it takes into account their need and their right to make progress and to be seen to make progress. It eliminates the psychologically damaging sense of being ``kept back''.
``I urge the Minister to reverse the proposed course of action. If Middle Infants is to be removed then it must be replaced with the early start scheme in all affected schools. Either way, a three-year infant programme is clearly needed in many schools. There must be flexibility and understanding and I urge the Minister to show those qualities now.''
The reply on behalf of the Minister for Education and Science Michael Woods was given by Minister of State Noel Treacy. He said:
``It is the long standing policy of our Department when it becomes aware of the existence of a Middle Infants class to inform the particular school to cease this practice. In this regard, our Department recently issued a circular to schools outlining the official policy in relation to the retention and promotion of pupils.''
Ó Caoláin described the ministerial reply as ``inflexible and intransigent'' and pledged to continue to urge the retention of the Middle Infants grade.
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