A recent survey conducted by the National Principals’ Forum highlight deep-rooted concerns among primary school principals regarding the 2024 budget and its implications for education.
While official representative bodies have welcomed the education budget, a startling 98.4% of principal respondents believe primary education did not benefit enough from this year’s budget. The crux of the issue lies in the financial challenges faced by schools. Despite an increase in the capitation grant, schools are still grappling with a grant that is 10% less than the previous year. Alarmingly, 76% of principals foresee financial insecurity for their schools this academic year.
Principals’ confidence in Minister Norma Foley and Minister Josepha Madigan has been deeply shaken, with 76.2% expressing a lack of trust in the ministers’ support for primary school children. The National Principals’ Forum, the only entity to directly seek feedback from principals on the ground, has been notably ignored by the Ministers.
One principal from Co. Kerry emphasised the dire financial situation, stating, “It is not and should not be our job to raise funds to pay for essential services in our schools.” Concerns have been raised about delayed grant payments and a lack of clarity regarding the ICT grant.
Reaction to NCSE Statement
Moreover, resources for children with additional needs are alarmingly scarce. Dr. Barry O’ Leary of St. Kevin’s N.S., Dublin, expressed, “The NCSE has been the greatest stressor for me as a principal.” He further elucidated the challenges in advocating for essential supports and the apprehension of adverse outcomes for schools. Parent and lobby groups, including the National Principals’ Forum, have repeatedly highlighted the problematic Assessment of Need process. A paltry 9% believe schools should be involved in this process.
Recent communications from the NCSE have further exacerbated frustrations. An NCSE statement on October 12th notified many schools about significant local vacancies, impacting their ability to provide a “high level of service.” This statement was met with both bemusement and anger from the majority of surveyed principals, many of whom feel the NCSE is out of touch and has not been fit for purpose for a significant duration.
The statement from one principal underscores the sentiment, “Primary schools are continually suffering staff shortages yet we continue to deliver a service daily, I have yet to shut a class and turn pupils away!”