School forced to close class as sub teacher crisis worsens

A local school has had to ask parents to keep their children at home today because no substitute teacher could be found to cover the class.

Third and fourth classes in Scoil Eoin Báiste in Nobber could not go to school today as Principal Anne-Marie McKenna was unable to source a sub teacher amid a worsening sub teacher crisis.

It is understood to be the first time a school in Meath has had to take such drastic action but Ms McKenna said they were left with "no choice" having exhausted all avenues to try to find cover since last weekend. She has managed to find cover for tomorrow so the children will be able to return to class.

"I am covering one class and I got sub cover for Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday for the other, but I couldn't get anybody today. I went to all the usual spots but there was nobody- the subseeker website, two different what's app groups for subs, twitter, facebook, I went everywhere."

Two of four teachers are out of school this week. Ms McKenna herself is a special education teacher but hasn't been able to see those children for a couple of weeks as she has been covering classes.

"Teachers are entitled to be sick but any time you get a text, it is panic mode. I spent the whole weekend looking for a sub.

Ms McKenna said it was a last resort to ask parents to keep their children at home.

"I feel absolute sadness that I can't magic up somebody but there is nobody there.

"If I hear Norma Foley say once more that there is no sub crisis and that schools are safe......".

Ms McKenna explained that it has been an issue since the start of the year.

" Normally I would have sub teachers emailing from the start of the year and I would have a list of people but we don't have that this year. They all have jobs.

"I have been principal for 14 years and I have never had to do this".

She said parents are very frustrated but very supportive.