Sharp increase in students on reduced school days deeply worrying – Darren O’Rourke TD

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Education and Youth, Darren O’Rourke TD, has described new figures revealing that 1,275 students were placed on a reduced school day for the first time during the 2023/24 academic year, as deeply troubling.

The figures mark a 20% increase on the previous year and include 821 children with special educational needs (SEN).

The Meath East TD says the figures raise serious concerns about the adequacy of supports in our education system.

Teachta O’Rourke said:

“The data for the 2023/2024 school year, the most recent available, shows that 1,275 children were placed on reduced school days, up from 1,044 the year before. The vast majority of affected students were in primary or post-primary schools, while 97 attended special schools. 821 children, almost two-thirds of the overall number, had special educational needs.

“The data confirms that children with special educational needs and those from the Traveller and Roma communities are significantly over-represented. In addition, it further highlights that children are spending extended periods on reduced school days, with very significant increases in second, third and fourth notifications reported. Fourth notifications are up from 86 to 134, for example.

“These figures are deeply troubling. The sharp rise in students, particularly those with special educational needs, being placed on reduced school days is unacceptable. This practice must be fully explained and, more importantly, urgently addressed. While a reduced school day may be helpful in exceptional circumstances as part of a transition or reintegration intervention, no child should be denied their right to full-time education due to a lack of resources or appropriate supports.

“Reduced school days should only ever be used as a last resort, with parental consent and for the shortest time necessary. However, the disproportionate impact on students with SEN suggests systemic failures in providing inclusive education. Of the 612 students in primary schools who were on reduced school days, for example, a massive 492 (80.4%) had special educational needs. This is very significant.

“These figures point to a crisis in our schools. The government must invest in additional special education teachers, SNAs, and tailored supports to ensure every child can access education equally. We need a clear plan to reverse this trend and uphold the rights of all students.

“Sinn Féin is calling for an immediate review into the use of reduced school days, greater transparency in reporting, and increased funding to ensure schools have the resources to support vulnerable students.”