Secondary schools at risk of not being able to roll out book scheme in September
The In Scheme Post Than Enrolled 670 Will Benefit 212,000 Students More Primary From Schools
Many post-primary schools are at risk of not being able to roll out the School Book Scheme in time for its launch in September, with a large majority of principals saying the necessary supports and information are not in place.
A survey from the National Association of Principals and Deputies (NAPD) found that 83% of principals believe those supports are simply not available.
They said that procurement issues are acting as a “massive stumbling block” and only 36% said they had confidence in their school’s ability to deliver the scheme effectively by September.
Announced earlier this month, Minister for Education Norma Foley said the scheme would provide free schoolbooks to Junior Cycle students in post-primary schools in the free education scheme.
More than 212,000 students enrolled in 670 post-primary schools will benefit from the scheme.
At the time, Ms Foley said that a separate administration support grant would be given to schools to assist with the roll out.
The NAPD, while fully supporting the scheme and the positive effect it will have for students and their families, said the success of the initiative hinges on principals navigating the procurement process which falls “solely to them”.
They said that the process goes beyond just buying books, and involves an intricate procurement process of drawing up tender documents, evaluating bids, and preparing for audit and compliance evaluations.
This process takes time and “time is not on our side” ahead of the rollout in September, principals said.
NAPD director Paul Crone said: “The reports we are receiving from members in relation to the extra specialist administrative work being created through the School Book Scheme procurement process and the lack of specialist expertise is very concerning.
“This is a very worthwhile initiative, and we want to see it up and running in time for September, but this is now looking in doubt for many schools.”
Mr Crone said he was appealing to Ms Foley to seriously consider providing schools with extra administrative support to help them cope with the pressures.