Parents asked for patronage preference for 12 schools

Posted by Schooldays Newshound, on 10/12/2018. Parents asked for patronage preference for 12 schools

The Minister for Education and Skills, Joe McHugh, T.D., has invited parents to express their preference in relation to the patronage of 12 primary schools to be established in 2019.

Parents are invited to express their patronage preferences using the Department’s new Online Patronage Process System (OPPS) website
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This system has been developed to provide objective information to all parents and guardians which will allow them to make an informed choice in expressing a preference for a patronage model and language of instruction for their child’s education.

The 12 primary schools will serve the following school planning areas:

Booterstown_Blackrock

Donaghmede_Howth_D13

Dublin6_Clonskeagh & Dublin_6W (Regional Solution)

Dunshaughlin

Glasheen_CorkCity/Pouladuff

Goatstown_Stillorgan_DLR

Kilcoole/Newtownmountkennedy

Killester_Raheny_Clontarf

Leixlip

Maynooth

Swords/North

Swords/South

Today’s invitation follows on from the Government’s announcement of the establishment of 42 new schools over the next four years from 2019 to 2022.

Minister McHugh said: “We are fortunate in Ireland to have a growing population. However, this growth puts pressure on our public services. If we are to have a world class education and training system we must ensure that we adequately prepare for this future need by planning necessary modern school facilities now.”

These planned new schools were decided following on from a nationwide, forward-planning exercise carried out by the Department into the future need for primary and post-primary schools across the country. The four year horizon will enable increased lead-in times for planning and delivery of the schools.

The Department has appointed a Project Manager to assist in the procurement of interim school accommodation for the schools opening in September 2019 and potential interim accommodation solution options have been identified for the majority of these schools.

The patronage process, which is commencing today, will run until the 15th of January 2019.

The patronage process for the remaining schools will be run at a later date, significantly ahead of their planned opening.

Inviting patronage preferences from interested parents/guardians today, Minister McHugh said: “Parental preferences for each patron along with the diversity currently available in these areas of growing population are key to decisions in relation to the outcome of this process.

“I encourage all parents of children who will be starting school in the next 5 years to engage with the process. This is your opportunity to make your views known and help to shape the education of the future.”

The patronage process for new schools is overseen by the independent New Schools Establishment Group (NSEG). This Group was set up in 2011 to advise the Minister on the patronage of new schools following its consideration of a report prepared by the Department on the applications received.

Source: education.ie