Laois schools have relatively high number of Ukrainian refugees

The number of children from the Ukraine attending Laois schools appears to be relatively high compared to neighbouring counties especially Kildare which has far more schools.

The Department of Education confirmed that as of 22 December, 13,753 Ukrainian pupils have been enrolled in schools across Ireland. Out of that figure, 8,823 of these pupils have been accommodated in primary schools while 4,930 pupils have enrolled in post-primary schools.

It also published a county by county table which showed that there were 189 children from Ukraine in Laois schools. Of these, 112 were in primary and 77 attending secondary schools.

The Laois number exceeds bordering counties of Carlow where there are 170 and Offaly which has just 131 children from Ukraine at its schools. 

Kildare, given the size of the county, has a relatively low 220 children from Ukraine. This contrasts with Kilkenny which seems to be taking an above average share with 263 children at its schools who are Ukrainian. Tipperary has accommodated 272 children who have fled the Russians. MORE BELOW TABLE.

The latest official figures published on December 19 show that there were 798 child and adult war refugees in Laois to the week ending Sunday, December 11.

Nearly a quarter of Ukrainian refugees are children who'll spend Christmas in Laois because of Russia's war

The Department says that to assist with the transition of Ukrainian students and their families into Irish schools Regional Education and Language Teams (REALT) continue to operate, hosted by the 16 regional education and training boards around Ireland and staffed by regionally-based education support personnel.

The Department adds that these teams are ensuring that clear, accessible information flows are in place between schools, local education support services and national support structures in relation to people arriving from Ukraine.

Information for parents in Ukrainian and Russian on accessing school places is available on gov.ie/Ukraine.

The Department says it will continue to publish figures on the enrolment of Ukrainian children each month.