Teachers giving positive feedback to students is a key part of keeping kids from disadvantaged areas in school.

That was one of the findings of an ESRI review of the School Completion Programme, which works with 36,000 students around the country.

It says that the programme has been largely successful in helping to keep children in school, despite funding cuts.

The review also says that the School Completion Programme has done a good job at increasing the levels of children staying in school.

However there are still issues about keeping some junior cycle students engaged and progressing them to further education.

Author of the report Emer Smyth says that teachers can identify students who need help far quicker than other services.

Meanwhile the Government plans to bring high-speed broadband to all schools under a new digital strategy.

€30m is being invested in schools next year, as part of a five year plan.

The plan lists wifi as a priority for schools, as well as the wider use of digital devices in classrooms.

The Education Minister Jan O’Sullivan says it is the biggest ever investment in technology in schools, with more than €200m to be spent over five years.

She says it aims to bring all schools up to a good standard, although it is not yet known which schools will get a share of the funding.