Westmeath primary schools overcrowded claims into
Primary schools in Westmeath are among the most overcrowded in the country, the Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) has stated this week.
According to the organisation, nearly 90 per cent of primary pupils in Westmeath are in classes greater than the EU average of 20, and more than 9,500 pupils in Westmeath schools are in classes of twenty or more. Over 2,200 are in “supersized” classes of thirty or more children. Latest figures show that:
- 21.2% of primary pupils are in classes of 30 or more
- 67.9% of pupils are in classes of 20 to 29 pupils
- 10.9% of pupils are in classes under 20.
The INTO said the figures showed the reality on the ground in schools as Irish primary schools re-open for a new school year. The union said large classes are a result of increasing school numbers and government cutbacks on the ground in schools.
The general secretary of the INTO, Sheila Nunan described the findings as a major challenge for the new Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O Sullivan. Ms Nunan said Irish class sizes were now some of the highest in the EU. She called on the new Minister not to increase class sizes in the budget and to prepare a plan to reduce class sizes in Irish primary schools over the next number of years.
“Irish class sizes are back to where they were ten years ago and getting worse. In 2004, average class size in Ireland was 25 the same as it is today. One hundred and twenty five thousand primary school children today are in classes of thirty pupils or more,” said Ms. Nunan.
She said the primary school classroom is the frontline of the education service. “It is where most children spend the majority of their time,” said Ms. Nunan. Large class sizes are affecting over half a million pupils and their families.”