The release of a nationwide survey to all parents of children aged 0-12 by the Department of Education and Youth has been welcomed by Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board (ETB). The survey, https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/campaigns/primary-school-survey/, aims to assess the appetite amongst parents for multi-denominational, co-educational and Irish-medium education.
Education and Training Boards, the patrons of Community National Schools and Community Colleges across the country, which are state-funded, co-educational, multi-denominational primary and post-primary schools, and the largest provider of education through the medium of Irish, are calling on all parents of children within this cohort, as well as school staff and boards of management to participate in the survey and have their say.
Commenting today, Bernadette Cullen, Chief Executive of Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board said: “This is an important opportunity to inform the future educational landscape across Ireland. It’s a chance to ensure our schools, in the future, provide choice for parents reflecting the diversity of our society. We would encourage parents, school staff, and boards of management to take time to complete the survey, and to access the resources and information provided by the Department of Education.”
“The survey affords parents and guardians as well as school staff the opportunity to use their voice to outline the type of primary school experience they would like to see in their community” she continued, “it’s important to note, that when a school changes to become, for example, a Community National School under the patronage of their local ETB, lots of the great things that are already in place remain the same. The curriculum, the staff, and extra-curricular activities all remain as they were. The main thing that changes is that the ethos in a Community National School includes all children and their families equally throughout the school day.”
“Instead of doing Catholic religion classes only, for example, children learn about different religious and non-religious worldviews, and the religions and beliefs of their classmates. For families who are Catholic, there is still the option for children to make their First Holy Communion or their Confirmation – the only difference is that preparation for the sacraments happens outside of the regular school day.”
Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board is delighted to be offering a Community National School education in Fedamore and Glenroe in Co. Limerick and Mol an Óige Community National School in Ennistymon and Raheenwood Community National School in Tuamgraney, Co. Clare.
Commenting on the national survey, Donncha O Treasaigh, Director of Schools with Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, said: “In research carried out on census data, ETBI assessed the appetite for multi-denominational schools nationwide. Their findings show 61% of people nationally would prefer to have a multi-denominational body providing education rather than a religious body. It’s worth noting that even amongst people who identify as Catholic, there is a preference for multi-denominational education. These findings leave little doubt that the current situation must change.”
Further information about the Schools Survey 2030 currently being run by the Department of Education is available at https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/campaigns/primary-school-survey/
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