After two years of managing the Primary Schoolbooks Scheme, our guest school leader author shares their tips and experiences to help maximise this initiative and the budget.
In September 2023, the government introduced free books for primary school pupils. You can read more about it here. https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/publications/primary-schoolbooks-scheme/
Although the amount allocated for pupils has dropped from €96 per pupil to €80 per pupil, this was a very welcome development in Irish education.
Having managed the scheme for the last two years, I have found some creative ways to make it work within the limited budget.
Read on for my tips and tricks!
Get organised!
The early bird catches the worm. Encourage staff to review and finalise booklists as soon as possible. Confirm the number of pupils per room/class.
Get informed!
Asking for free samples and accessing trials allows staff to test run a lesson or two. Attending webinars can provide staff opportunities to hear from the authors themselves and ask questions to see how a resource would work for them and the school.
Get quotes!
I found it very helpful to get three quotes and for us, there was a 4 figure difference between the highest and lowest quotes!
Get efficient!
We ask our supplier to pack the books per room, this makes for a smooth delivery process. Every book ends up in the right room and in the correct quantities.
Get savvy!
The scheme guidelines advise to use the money for copybooks, stationery and all relevant classroom resources. Ask the teachers to do an inventory of their rooms and give them a checklist. You might find that teachers already have stocks of pencils, whiteboard markers, copies etc in the back of the cupboard!
Get smart!
Are there any resources currently being used by the children that could be reused next year? Perhaps the children’s homework folders are still in good condition and can be reused. This is also the planet friendly option, which is so important.
Get ordering!
When you have decided what copies and stationery you need, get the orders in to the educational suppliers as soon as possible. Many suppliers offer excellent discounts if you get your order in quickly. Again it’s worth shopping around to get the best deal. It is also worth giving your supplier a list with room numbers and numbers of pupils. This means the orders can be packed per room and will save lots of time and energy in late August.
Get labelling!
When you receive the books, ensure that all books for book rental purposes are clearly labelled as such. Encourage the children to care and look after the books appropriately.
Get subscribing!
Remember, you can also use the book grant for classroom digital subscriptions. We use our money for Starlight, Into Music and digital access for Folens Explorers. This is great value for money as you get full access to the online programmes and the printables and plans.
Get creative!
With the rollout of the Primary Curriculum Framework it is important to note that we should be emphasizing active, playful learning experiences. The money can be used to purchase mini whiteboards and markers, hands on resources and concrete materials to supplement the delivery of the primary Maths curriculum, for example. Schemes may recommend the ideal practical resources.
Hopefully, these tips will help the process run smoothly for you in your school.
Have you got any tips to add to the list? Please let us know in the comments.
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