Which patron body would you like to see running primary schools in your area? Minister Quinn has asked parents of all children aged 0 – 12 in 38 areas across Ireland what patrons they would like to see operating their local primary schools.
The surveys went live this week and are an expansion on pilot surveys conducted in five towns last year.
The survey can be accessed online via www.education.ie and parents or guardians of children ages 0 - 12 in the 38 towns and suburbs are being asked to fill it out. A list of these designated areas can also be found on the site. You will need to have your PPS number in order to complete the survey. These details are only being used for verification purposes.
The survey aims to establish the level of demand from parents for diversity of school patronage in each of the towns. Right now 96% of primary schools are under church patronage, with more than 90% under the Catholic Church.
If the survey shows that parents would like a wider choice of patron, then the Department of Education and Skills will ask existing patrons to come up with a plan to transfer some schools to other patron bodies.
The bodies which have indicated that they would like to become patrons of schools in the identified areas are the VECs, An Foras Patrúnachta, Educate Together and, in a small number of areas, the National Learning Network and the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
A comprehensive information campaign has begun by the Department of Education and Skills in each of the areas with a leaflet drop to every household giving details of the survey. There is also advertising on local radios and newspapers. A free helpline is also available in the Department for anyone who has any difficulties in completing the survey: 1800 303621. This helpline is open from 9.30am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Paper versions of the survey are also available on request.
Parents and guardians of all 0 - 12 year olds in the 38 towns have from now until the 8th of February to complete the survey at www.education.ie.
