Nearly 5 % of primary school pupils socially disadvantaged

Almost five percent of children in primary schools are classified as socially disadvantaged, whether due to poverty or other difficult family circumstances, according to new data from the Ministry of Education.

The ministry sees targeted funding for schools with such pupils as a key form of support. Any assistance will depend on the state budget and could include funding for support positions such as psychologists or special and social education teachers. Special education teachers and social workers are financed through projects or paid for by school founders. In some cases, school principals currently seek funding for these roles themselves.