National Parents’ Council Post Primary welcomes the invitation from the Joint Oireachtas
Committee on Education and Social Protection update as part of an examination of
managing back-to-school costs.
The submission made last May was based on the following categories and I will outline todate what has happened in each category since.
Managing Back To School Costs
1. Cost of School Uniforms
2. Cost of School Books
3. Cost of Transition Year
4. School Transport
5. Miscellaneous
Cost of School Uniforms
This has always been a severe issue financially for parents at post primary level. Last April
NPCpp, NPC Primary, Barnardos and SVP with support from all the education partners
issued a document Reviewing School Uniform Policy. (Appendix 1) This was done with the
support of the Minister for Education and Skills Mr Ruairí Quinn. As you will be aware the
Minister announced on the 11th November 2013 where the education partners will now be
invited to engage with the department officials on how to implement this change which will
include compiling a template questionnaire that schools can use to consult with parents on
uniforms. This news is very welcome given that parents should have a say in this as they are
the one footing this cost. We will be engaging in this new initiative.
Cost of School Books
The cost of schoolbooks is an issue that most parents dread each year. I welcome extra
funding for book rental schemes in the primary sector and also the fact that the minister is
very anxious to see a book rental scheme in all schools. This is welcome news. However
from speaking with parents it is noted that the cost of books has risen slightly this year. I
have come across cases recently where schools who have taken a leap of faith into the
electronic book world are looking at compiling their own notes and scripts on subjects at
individual teacher level due to the cost incurred. This to us is goodwill and support in
fighting the cost associated with this from the teaching profession. Also a lot of parents are
now only making themselves aware that the e-book licence only last for 1 or 3 years and
then dissolves away. NPCpp welcome the work being done on this by educate.ie given that
they produce books at up to half the price of other publishers and include a free e book.
They circulated a comparative price advert on this and parents need to be aware of this.
(Appendix 2). NPCpp welcomes any development in this field that will help parents to
alleviate this particular financial cost.
Transition Year
Schools are finding it difficult to maintain this service given that the costs being incurred.
The mission statement of transition year is: To promote the personal, social, educational
and vocational development of pupils and to prepare them for their role as autonomous,
participative and responsible members of society. I would welcome help from the DES on
this. I am also aware that parents in some instances have helped schools in some
programmes which would not be possible otherwise.
School Transport
This has not changed since.
Miscellaneous
The Voluntary contribution is still a major burden on parents. The fact is, that the
contributions make up the deficit of DES funding to carry out various curriculum activities
within the school. If in some cases this is not paid it is the student who will lose out. We will
outline an example of this at presentation.
National Parents Council Post Primary would welcome any other help or suggestions
sought from The DES, other education partners or from the houses of the Oireachtas. We
endeavour to work co-operatively with all on this matter.
Thank you for this opportunity to take part in this.