Number of Ukrainian students in Irish schools exceeds 5,000

The number of Ukrainian children in Irish schools has risen to 5,144.

Initial registrations have risen significantly and, according to official figures, have risen by 80 percent from around 2,000 before Easter to 3,601.

Secondary schools, however, have fallen to 1,543 from about 1,800 earlier this month.

The number of Ukrainian students varies, but about 580 out of 4,000 primary and secondary schools are now receiving additional resources to support the newcomers.

Enrollment was forecast to increase as more families flee conflict in their home country and others who arrived earlier took time to settle before seeking a place in school.

Fluctuations in enrollments at individual schools were also expected as refugee families move away from the original shelter.

The students who enroll the least are those preparing for the Ukrainian equivalent of the Leaving Cert, many of whom take online courses with their own teachers.

Minister of Education Norma Foley confirmed the updated figures yesterday as she visited two primary schools in her native Kerry that are taking in Ukrainian children.

Milltown’s Nagle-Rice Primary School currently has four Ukrainian pupils, while Flemby’s two-teacher school, Ballymacelligott, has seven children enrolled Ukraine. Both schools are participating in The Daily Mile, a 15-minute walk or run a day initiative for elementary school students, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this week.

Ms Foley recognized “the extraordinary work” done by the schools in welcoming children who came from very difficult and traumatic circumstances.

She said some families are “very happy almost immediately to have their children in school and others just need a little bit more time and children and young people themselves need a little bit more time. And that’s what we like to work with.”

Additional resources provided by the Department of Education include additional classes and English language and psychological support.

Much of the immediate focus is on developing the children’s English skills and promoting their well-being.