Primary education - frequently asked questions

The questions and answers on these pages are a guide for parents. We have made them as clear as we can. It is general information only so it may not answer all of your questions. Some of our services and schemes can be complex and the information here may not cover everything you need to know. You can get more information from our website www.education.ie or you can contact us. You will find the contact details for each service in the contact us area of our website.

We have tried to make sure that this information is correct and up-to-date. If you notice any mistakes, please let us know and we will correct them as soon as we can. You can send your comments by email to info@education.gov.ie

The full document containing the list of Primary frequently asked questions is available to download in word format in English, Irish, German, Latvian, Lithuanian, Polish, Spanish and Russian.

Going to primary school
What do you mean by primary and post-primary education? Do I have to pay to send my child to school? When must my child start school? At what age can my child leave school? Who is responsible for my child attending school? Where can I get information on pre-school and early years education?

Getting my child into school
What school will my child attend? How do I enrol my child in primary school? What is an admissions policy? Can I appeal the decision if a school refuses to enrol my child? Are there different types of school? What is whole-school evaluation? Where can I find school inspection reports? How long is the school day?

Staff structure and school management
What is the staffing structure within a school? Who is the patron? What is the board of management?

School closures and school holidays
What are the school terms? How will I know about days off during the year? How many days will the school be open during the year? What are the school holidays? What are discretionary days?

In the school
In what class will my child be put? Can my child repeat a year? What will my child learn at school? Must my child learn Irish? Who will teach my child? How are children assessed in primary school? Do parents meet with the teachers? How do schools communicate with parents? Will I get a written report on my child's progress? Will my child have to do homework? What do I do if my child has a problem? What can the school do if I think my child is being abused? Does my child have to wear a school uniform? Can I get help to pay for the school uniform? What is the school health screening and immunisation policy? How can I support the teachers and principal?

Bullying and discipline
What is bullying? What type of behaviour is not acceptable? What do I do if my child is bullied by another child? I think my child might be a bully - what should I do? How can I complain about a teacher or the school? How do schools reward and discipline pupils? Do schools have to have a code of discipline?

School transport (see also Special services and extra support)
Can my child get transport to school? When is a transport service set up? Who plans school bus routes? How do I get school transport? What if there is no school transport? What if I live less than 3.2 kilometres from nearest school? Who operates the school transport scheme? Where can I get information about timetables, pick-up points and routes? I am not happy with a school transport decision - can I appeal?

Special services and extra support
What happens if my child has difficulty keeping up in class or has a learning difficulty? Who do I contact if my child has special needs? My child has special needs - can they get special transport? What is a school bus escort? How can I apply for an escort? Can I apply for a harness? My child has very little English - What help does the school give my child with English? What is the role of the National Educational Psychological Service? What do I do if I think my child may need to be seen by a psychologist? How does the NEPS psychologist work? What is the National Council for Special Education? What is the role of the Special Education Support Service? What is a special needs assistant? What is learning support and resource teacher? What is a resource teacher? What is the visiting teacher service for children with sight or hearing difficulties?

Parents
What is the role of the parent? What should I do if my child cannot go to school? Can I take my child on holidays during term time? What will the school do if my child misses a lot of school? What can I do if the school stops my child attending? What is a Section 29 appeal? What is home tuition? Can I teach my child at home? What happens if my family is moving to a new area away from the school?

Supports for parents
Do parents meet as a group? How can I get English language classes and adult education courses? What is the Home School Community Liaison Scheme? Where can I get Irish language classes? What is the National Parents Council - Primary? Where can I get free internet access?

Useful information and links

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