Holy Family National School,

Newport, Co. Mayo

Phone 098-41442

E-Mail newportmayo.ias@eircom.net

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Enrolment Form

School Handbook

RETENTION OF PUPILS

In line with Primary Circular 32/03, pupils are allowed to repeat a year for educational reasons and in exceptional circumstances. In such exceptional circumstances, where concerns are raised about a pupil’s progress in learning, the Principal Teacher, following consultation with the Class Teacher, Special Education Teacher, and parent(s), may conclude that a pupil would benefit educationally by repeating a grade level. The pupil may only be retained in a class after consultation with the parents/ guardian. Any such pupil retention will be carried out in junior classes, as early as possible. As a rule, a pupil should not be retained in an Infants’ Class beyond the 30th June following the date on which he/she has (a) been enrolled in the school for one and a half years, or (b) reached the age of six and a half years—whichever is earlier. No pupil will be retained for longer than one year throughout his/her national school career.
A record outlining the educational basis for the decision to retain the pupil will be kept. In addition, there will be a clear programme outlined for such a pupil that records precisely what new approach will be used for him/her, and what its expected benefit will be. These records will be retained within the school.
Exceptional Grounds for Retaining a Pupil in Same Class:

Age/Emotional Maturity: A child coming into school at barely four years of age may benefit from repeating Infant Class.
Lack of Progress: A child, for any reason(s), might not progress educationally in a particular year, and could benefit from an extra year in that class.

The teachers involved may feel that a child with learning difficulties would benefit from retention in the class.
Also Appendix B ‘Educational Record’: Headings =Name, Date of Birth, Present Class, Reason(s) for Retention by Class teacher Special Education Teacher, Educational Provision for Retained Year, Principal’s Signature, Date.
Parents’ Consent Form to Retention of Pupil= Name of Pupil: Name of Pupil: I have discussed ---------- ’s progress and educational needs with the class teacher and the Principal. Following this discussion, I/we have decided in consultation with the Class Teacher and the Principal that it is best for -------- that he/she be retained in -------- Class. I will do my best to support the class teacher next year to ensure that the assigned homework and reading is done every night. Signed: Parent+ Parent.