Latest Information
23 February, 2021 - Ministers Foley and Madigan welcome the phased return of in-school teaching and learning for students commencing Monday, 1 March
10 February, 2021 - Ministers Foley and Madigan welcome agreed plan of the return of in-person teaching and learning for children in Special Classes at Post-Primary schools on 22 February
Parents, students, schools and school staff will find up to date information on reopening of schools here
Important Customer Notice - Contacting the Department
If you need to contact the Department you will find the information you need here: Contacting the Department of Education
The inspectorate is now providing a dedicated phone and email advisory service to schools working in a remote environment.
Earlier Information
Information published up to June 2020 is shown below:
Advice and resources for parents and students
Resources for schools and other education settings
The inspectorate is now providing a dedicated phone and email advisory service to schools working in a remote environment.
Oireachtas Member Questions & Briefings
Further Information on Covid-19
1. Information and guidance issued to schools
2. Supports to schools and teachers engaged in distance learning
13 March 2020: Download letter from the Secretary General to principals and teachers regarding continuity of learnng
Access to content that has been developed to support schools and teachers engaged in distance learning in order to provide continuity to pupils/students:
https://www.pdst.ie/DistanceLearning
Scoilnet is a resource to support schools, teachers, students and parents
3. NEPS Advice & Resources for keeping Children and Young People well during Covid-19
The Department of Education and Skills’ NEPS psychologists have developed advice and some resources for young people to manage and stay well when schools are closed. Read more
4. Continuity of guidance provision
Guidelines for continued provision of Guidance Counselling and resources to support practice
5. NEPS Responding to Critical Incidents
NEPS: Responding to Critical Incidents during School Closures and Public Health Restrictions arising from COVID-19: Information Booklet for Schools
Supporting Bereaved Students and Staff Returning to School following COVID-19 and Public Health Restrictions: Information Booklet for Schools
6. Department circulars and statements
Circulars:
Statements:
7. Continuation of home tuition
8. Updated guidance from HSE
For updated guidance specific to education settings please visit the HSE's Health Protection Surveillance Centre's (HPSC) website
Link to HSPC guidance on vulnerable groups
9. Chief Medical Officer advice to parents and schools
10. Posters and video for primary and post-primary schools
COVID-19 Information poster
Click on the poster below to download a copy.
The Department of Education and Skills has updated information for schools, preschools and third level institutions on Covid-19; provided by the Department of Health and HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre following a meeting of the National Public Health Emergency Team.
Public health doctors are available to liaise with schools and advise on precautions if staff and/or students have any concerns.
Anyone who has been to affected regions in the last 14 days and has a cough, shortness of breath, breathing difficulties or fever should self-isolate and phone their GP immediately.
Anyone who has travelled from the affected regions and has no symptoms should visit http://www.hse.ie/ for advice.
The most important action we can take to protect ourselves from Covid-19 is regular hand-washing and good respiratory hygiene.
As further advice or information is provided, it will be issued to schools and posted on the Department’s website.
Travel advice for all Irish citizens is provided through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Note - The Covid-19 affected regions are listed as mainland China, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Iran and the following regions of northern Italy - Lombardy, Veneto Emilia-Romagna and Piedmont.
"Cover your cough and sneeze"
Click on the posters below to download a copy.
Coronavirus hygiene poster
Click on the poster below to download a copy.
Coronavirus hygiene video
Updated travel advice
Up to date travel advice is available on the website of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade