ASTI - Ireland's main second level teachers union

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Post-primary Education Forum

Pupil wellbeing in jeopardy as a result of moratorium on posts

The wellbeing of pupils is being put in jeopardy as a result of a moratorium on middle management posts in second-level schools, according to a coalition of parents, teachers and school management bodies. 

The Post Primary Education Forum (PPEF) has called for urgent clarification on a recent statement by the Minister for Education and Science Batt O’Keeffe that he intends to address the impact of the moratorium on schools.

Jim Moore of the PPEF and President of the National Parents’ Council (Post Primary) said: “Schools have been unable again this year, for the second year running, to fill posts of responsibility left vacant as a result of retirements and other reasons. The burden on schools arising from the dismantling of the administrative and pastoral care backbone is proving impossible to carry in many cases.”

“The moratorium on posts of responsibility in second-level school is damaging to the development of a supportive school environment for pupils,” said Mr Moore. “It also means that many schools may not be able to comply with legal obligations under education, employment and health and safety legislation.”

A recent survey of 210 second-level schools found that each school lost approximately 2.5 middle management posts since the introduction of the moratorium in 2009. None of these posts have been replaced. “The nature of the moratorium means that the effects are uneven. Some schools have lost several posts to date. In addition, second-level schools have been disproportionately affected because of their size and consequent reliance on posts of responsibility. The majority of second-level schools have between 400 and 1,200 pupils and it is simply not possible for a Principal and Deputy Principal to undertake all the managerial, financial, administrative and HR duties associated with running a school and also take responsibility for the wellbeing of a large number of young people.”

“We are extremely concerned about the impact of the moratorium on pupil wellbeing. Many of the posts which are being left vacant provide vital pastoral are services. For example, Year Heads monitor pupil wellbeing, support pupils at risk, and act as a point of contact for parents. Many Year Heads are responsible for implementing the school’s code of behaviour which helps to develop a sense of safety and inclusivity in the school. Most importantly Year Heads are responsible for meeting the immediate needs of pupils and parents. These needs arise every school day.”

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