This article is from page 10 of the 2006-04-18 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 10 JPG
A “TECHNICAL HITCH” has put in doubt plans by Clare’s newest Steiner School to secure official Department of Education recognition in time for the opening of the next school year in September.
It may jeopardise the school’s entitlement to Government funding.
The department has informed the Mol an Óige primary school in Ennistymon that their application is not being considered by the New Schools Advisory Committee (NSAC), because the school changed patrons during the school year.
The Limerick School Project withdrew and in its place, the County Clare Vocational Educational Committee (VEC) stepped in.
A spokeswoman for the school this week described the delay as a “technical hitch”.
“All of us are frustrated with the situation and we are awaiting clarification from the Department and we are hoping that they will change their minds,” VEC Chief Executive, George O’ Callaghan told The Clare People.
“We are forever hopeful and haven’t given up the fight. The fact there was so many in favour of the school and so few against is very encouraging.”
Mol an Óige School was only started last September by a group of parents. The school is run on a voluntary capacity and follows the new primary school curriculum, using Steiner methods. As part of the public consultation phase for the school’s application for funding, a department spokeswoman confirmed that 21 responses were made in favour of the school with two against.
At Clare County Council’s April meeting, councillors unanimously endorsed a motion to support the school in its fight to secure recognition.
In a letter to TDs, Senators and councillors, the school said that if they were not considered by the advisory committee, they could not get Government funding.
“This is a huge burden on all parents involved, as to date we have been relying on all staff working voluntarily (including a qualified primary school teacher with 18 years experience) and constant fund-raising for all other running costs,” the letter states.
“We are not fully sure why the department are hesitant about giving Mol An Óige School approval that this is the first time the VEC has applied as a patron body for a primary school. If this is the case we suggest that they let Clare VEC’s involvement be a pilot project.”