One-teacher schools are to be supported to ensure there is always another adult in the building at all times. In many one-teacher schools, there may already be a special needs assistant (SNA) or another ancillary staff member in employment, meaning issues do not arise. “The department will work towards having a second adult present during the school day. The number of one-teacher primary schools fell from 41 in 2000 to less than 10 between 2008 and 2013. Most primary schools must have at least 18 pupils to be allowed to appoint a second mainstream class teacher.

Source: Irish Examiner January 25, 2019 15:44 UTC