Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools (DEIS) the Action Plan for Educational Inclusion, was launched in May 2005 and remains the Department of Education and Skills policy instrument to address educational disadvantage. DEIS provides for a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage and an integrated School Support Programme (SSP). 864 schools are included in the programme. These comprise of 669 primary schools and 195 second level schools.Castlepollard Community College has DEIS status which allows the school access to a number of support measures in order to improve the educational experience and attainment of disadvantaged students.
Supports for DEIS Post Primary schools
From 2012/13 school year, all DEIS post-primary schools will be targeted for additional support through an improved staffing schedule of 18.25:1. This is a 0.75 point improvement compared to the existing standard 19:1 which applied in non-fee charging schools.
DEIS grant paid based on level of disadvantage and enrolment
Access to Home School Community Liaison Officer
Access to range of supports under School Completion Project
Access to Junior Certificate Schools Programme
Access to Leaving Certificate Applied Programme
Access to planning supports
Access to a range of professional development supports
Additional funding under School Books Grant Scheme
School Completion Programme
The School Completion Programme aims to help students from disadvantaged areas stay in school to complete their Leaving Certificate. The programme is a support strand within the National Educational Welfare Board under the Department of Children and Youth Affairs. It forms part of the Department of Education and Skills social inclusion strategy Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools (DEIS) to help children and young people who are at risk of or who are experiencing educational disadvantage.