A reduction in classroom resources for small schools is likely to lead to larger class sizes and multiple groups being taught in the same room.

This is the warning of the Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO), which stated that cuts announced in this month's Budget statement will see major changes to the way establishments are allocated staff members.

Currently, a school gains a third teacher when it has 49 pupils, but this is set to rise to 56 by the 2014/15 academic year, meaning average class sizes in some locations could be as high as 25 students.

General secretary of INTO Sheila Nunan explained this could lead to situations where staff are teaching up to four groups in a single lesson, which will have an obvious impact on the quality of education.

She added it is vital that investment in smaller establishments over the last few years is not wasted and these facilities are given the support they need to survive.

Last week, the Irish Primary Principals Network claimed some of these schools could have their existence threatened by the impact of the budget cuts.

Written by Donal Walsh

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