A West Clare Principal has called for more supports for schools, rather than surveillance.
Principals have expressed dissatisfaction after it was confirmed that school inspectors will now be tasked with ensuring that public health guidelines are being followed.
School principals have reacted angrily to what they describe as a ‘blunt instrument’ of COVID-19 inspections in primary schools.
School inspectors are to be asked by the Health and Safety Authority to go out to schools to ensure compliance with regulations.
The Irish Primary Principal’s Network says it’s putting additional pressure on principals and that it may impact the relationship principals have with inspectors, who ordinarilly examine their teaching performance and offer feedback with a view to improving a child’s education.
President of the Irish Primary Principals’ Network Damien White has told Clare FM’s Morning Focus that after a summer of having information drip-fed to schools, this is the straw that broke the camel’s back.
A West Clare Principal admits it’s not unreasonable for schools to be inspected, but has questioned whether compliance inspections should be within the remit of Department of Education Inspectors.
Aidan Looney of St Joseph’s National School in Miltown Malbay believes that support would be far more beneficial for schools than surveillance.
