Junior Savers Week 23rd Sept - 29th Sept 2024
Our aim, as always is to use this as an opportunity to engage with your children and parents, to talk to them about money, and encourage and support them with their savings.
FREE Internet Safety Training for parents with Primary School Children
With digital technology playing a larger role in our children's lives, staying informed about online safety is crucial. Our FREE Internet safety sessions are designed to provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to protect your child online. By attending, you'll gain valuable insights and practical advice to ensure a safe and positive online experience for your child.
Session highlights:
Register now for free online sessions by clicking this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Internet_Safety_Sept2024
At the end of the session, parents will be provided with a specially designed template to enable them to work with their children to form an agreement for internet usage.
Session highlights:
- Practical steps to safeguard your child's online activities
- Understanding the digital landscape for children
- Expert advice from leading internet safety professionals
- Interactive Q&A sessions to address your specific concerns
Register now for free online sessions by clicking this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Internet_Safety_Sept2024
At the end of the session, parents will be provided with a specially designed template to enable them to work with their children to form an agreement for internet usage.
Sept 24
TO: All Principals, for sharing with parents, guardians and staff
FROM: Dr Abigail Collins, HSE National Clinical Lead, Child Health Public Health
RE: Back to school health advice from the HSE
DATE: 27 August 2024
Back to school health advice from the HSE
As the new school year begins, it is a busy time for families as we get into a routine and get ready for the months ahead.
To try to make it a little easier, the following outlines our back to school health advice to prepare for the school year.
Your child may be feeling worried or anxious around this time. Some children may be finding it difficult to go to sleep at an earlier bedtime. As the school year progresses, most children will end up picking up common viral infectious illnesses such as colds. You can find tips on
dealing with these situations below.
1. Ease anxieties and worries
Check in with your child about how they are feeling about school. It's normal for children to feel worried or anxious around this time.
Help your child to understand that anxiety is normal, everyone has it, even you. Tell them there are ways we can manage worry and deal with the things we fear together. For example, talking with an adult they trust, such as a parent or teacher, and reminding your child of their strength and how they overcame fears in the past. Reading books aboutschool and trying to have some extra one-on-one time with a child who is struggling can all
help too.
2. Get bedtime back
Getting enough sleep is important for children’s health and development. Try to ensure bedtime is early enough to allow for a good night’s sleep. You may need to do this gradually to help your child adjust to an earlier bedtime. Anticipate that your child may be tired and out
of sorts for the first weeks as they adjust. Try to be patient.
3. If your child is unwell, keep them home
Many children might have a runny nose or a slight cough as the seasons change. However,
if a child is feeling unwell they should be at home. For example, if your child:
has a fever (a temperature of 38 degrees higher)
is low in energy
has diarrhoea or vomiting
cough and sore throat
They should stay at home until those symptoms have finished. Children unwell with
symptoms of one infection are more likely to get infected with another infection too, which might make them more unwell. Staying home when unwell will help prevent the spread of viruses to other children, families and staff.
Here is a useful graphic which tells you how long children should stay home across a
number of different illnesses – ‘HPSC: When your child should return to school’.
Prepare in advance for how you would manage if your child has to stay at home. Check to
see if you have essentials – children’s paracetamol, ibuprofen, thermometer etc.
4. Remind kids of the basics
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Keep hands clean
Remind your child how to wash their hands and cover coughs and sneezes. These simple practices may have been forgotten during the holidays but they make a huge difference in helping to stop the spread of infection. This helps protect more vulnerable people at home,
including newborn babies, those who are pregnant or immunocompromised.
Pack some tissues in your child’s school bag and make sure they know to throw used ones in the bin.
5. Vaccination
Making sure your child is up to date on all recommended vaccinations helps to:
- stop your child getting the infection they are vaccinated against, and
- make them less likely to be unwell if they do get an infection.
Routine childhood vaccinations Routine childhood vaccinations protect against many significant viral and bacterial infections.
Contact your GP if your child missed out on any of the routine childhood vaccines which take
place in 5 visits from age 2 months to 13 months. Find out more about childhood
vaccinations here.
Measles
There has been a rise in measles cases this year and it can be a serious illness. With much
higher cases of measles in many European countries where children may have been on
summer holidays, measles really is important to think about.
Two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine are needed for the best
protection – the first is usually given at 12 months of age and the second when your child is
at junior infants stage. Catch-up vaccines are available from participating GPs if your child is
older than junior infants and has not received two doses of MMR vaccine.
Kid’s nasal flu vaccine
Children are twice as likely as adults to catch the flu. That's why all children aged 2 to 17 can
get their free nasal spray flu vaccine in the coming months. It is a safe and effective way to
protect them and the rest of your family too. Go to hse.ie/flu for information on how to get the
children’s flu vaccine.
Children who are immunocompromised are also able to get a COVID-19 autumn booster
from October.
6. Know your local care options
It can be hard to know when you should go to your GP or go straight to the hospital
emergency department. Advice on when to contact your GP or go to a hospital emergency
department is available here.
Find your local urgent and emergency care options by searching the HSE service finder.
Note down your local GP out-of-hours phone number, emergency department and injury unit
somewhere handy so you know where to go when the time comes.
For more health advice, listen to the back to school episode of the HSE Talking Health and
Wellbeing podcast. Upcoming episodes feature experts discussing:
Screen time
Healthy school lunch boxes
The podcast series is available on Podbean, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and the HSE Health
and Wellbeing YouTube channel.
For more information and advice, visit mychild.ie.
FROM: Dr Abigail Collins, HSE National Clinical Lead, Child Health Public Health
RE: Back to school health advice from the HSE
DATE: 27 August 2024
Back to school health advice from the HSE
As the new school year begins, it is a busy time for families as we get into a routine and get ready for the months ahead.
To try to make it a little easier, the following outlines our back to school health advice to prepare for the school year.
Your child may be feeling worried or anxious around this time. Some children may be finding it difficult to go to sleep at an earlier bedtime. As the school year progresses, most children will end up picking up common viral infectious illnesses such as colds. You can find tips on
dealing with these situations below.
1. Ease anxieties and worries
Check in with your child about how they are feeling about school. It's normal for children to feel worried or anxious around this time.
Help your child to understand that anxiety is normal, everyone has it, even you. Tell them there are ways we can manage worry and deal with the things we fear together. For example, talking with an adult they trust, such as a parent or teacher, and reminding your child of their strength and how they overcame fears in the past. Reading books aboutschool and trying to have some extra one-on-one time with a child who is struggling can all
help too.
2. Get bedtime back
Getting enough sleep is important for children’s health and development. Try to ensure bedtime is early enough to allow for a good night’s sleep. You may need to do this gradually to help your child adjust to an earlier bedtime. Anticipate that your child may be tired and out
of sorts for the first weeks as they adjust. Try to be patient.
3. If your child is unwell, keep them home
Many children might have a runny nose or a slight cough as the seasons change. However,
if a child is feeling unwell they should be at home. For example, if your child:
has a fever (a temperature of 38 degrees higher)
is low in energy
has diarrhoea or vomiting
cough and sore throat
They should stay at home until those symptoms have finished. Children unwell with
symptoms of one infection are more likely to get infected with another infection too, which might make them more unwell. Staying home when unwell will help prevent the spread of viruses to other children, families and staff.
Here is a useful graphic which tells you how long children should stay home across a
number of different illnesses – ‘HPSC: When your child should return to school’.
Prepare in advance for how you would manage if your child has to stay at home. Check to
see if you have essentials – children’s paracetamol, ibuprofen, thermometer etc.
4. Remind kids of the basics
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Keep hands clean
Remind your child how to wash their hands and cover coughs and sneezes. These simple practices may have been forgotten during the holidays but they make a huge difference in helping to stop the spread of infection. This helps protect more vulnerable people at home,
including newborn babies, those who are pregnant or immunocompromised.
Pack some tissues in your child’s school bag and make sure they know to throw used ones in the bin.
5. Vaccination
Making sure your child is up to date on all recommended vaccinations helps to:
- stop your child getting the infection they are vaccinated against, and
- make them less likely to be unwell if they do get an infection.
Routine childhood vaccinations Routine childhood vaccinations protect against many significant viral and bacterial infections.
Contact your GP if your child missed out on any of the routine childhood vaccines which take
place in 5 visits from age 2 months to 13 months. Find out more about childhood
vaccinations here.
Measles
There has been a rise in measles cases this year and it can be a serious illness. With much
higher cases of measles in many European countries where children may have been on
summer holidays, measles really is important to think about.
Two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine are needed for the best
protection – the first is usually given at 12 months of age and the second when your child is
at junior infants stage. Catch-up vaccines are available from participating GPs if your child is
older than junior infants and has not received two doses of MMR vaccine.
Kid’s nasal flu vaccine
Children are twice as likely as adults to catch the flu. That's why all children aged 2 to 17 can
get their free nasal spray flu vaccine in the coming months. It is a safe and effective way to
protect them and the rest of your family too. Go to hse.ie/flu for information on how to get the
children’s flu vaccine.
Children who are immunocompromised are also able to get a COVID-19 autumn booster
from October.
6. Know your local care options
It can be hard to know when you should go to your GP or go straight to the hospital
emergency department. Advice on when to contact your GP or go to a hospital emergency
department is available here.
Find your local urgent and emergency care options by searching the HSE service finder.
Note down your local GP out-of-hours phone number, emergency department and injury unit
somewhere handy so you know where to go when the time comes.
For more health advice, listen to the back to school episode of the HSE Talking Health and
Wellbeing podcast. Upcoming episodes feature experts discussing:
Screen time
Healthy school lunch boxes
The podcast series is available on Podbean, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and the HSE Health
and Wellbeing YouTube channel.
For more information and advice, visit mychild.ie.
Schoolbooks for pupils in recognised Primary and Special Schools 2024/25
8 May 2024
Dear Parent/Guardian,
In Budget 2023, I was delighted to secure funding for a landmark new scheme that
provided, for the first time ever, free schoolbooks for all children and young people enrolled
in recognised primary schools and special schools.
Year 1 of this valuable scheme saw all children and young people in recognised primary
and special schools being provided with the books, workbooks copybooks they needed and
other items to support them in maximising their journey through education.
My Department will continue to provide this funding to schools for the coming school year.
This means that:
• schoolbooks, workbooks, and copybooks will be provided to all children and young
people enrolled in your school
• the cost of these items will be eliminated for your families and will ease the financial
burden facing families at back-to-school time.
Through this measure, we are enhancing equity of access to education. All children and
young people enrolled in recognised primary and special schools can commence the new
school year in 2024/25 with the same schoolbooks and classroom resources as other
children and young people in their class.
It is important to note that schools have been advised to provide, at a minimum,
schoolbooks, workbooks and copybooks from the funding available. Once these have been
provided, the funds should then be used to eliminate costs of related classroom resources
such as pens, pencils, and erasers or other materials, as far as possible.
My Department has published an information leaflet for parents/guardians on how the new
scheme will operate. The scheme guidance and parents’ leaflet is published at
www.gov.ie/schoolbookschemes.Should you have any query in relation to this new
scheme, please email: [email protected]
With every good wish
Norma Foley TD
Minister for Education
Dear Parent/Guardian,
In Budget 2023, I was delighted to secure funding for a landmark new scheme that
provided, for the first time ever, free schoolbooks for all children and young people enrolled
in recognised primary schools and special schools.
Year 1 of this valuable scheme saw all children and young people in recognised primary
and special schools being provided with the books, workbooks copybooks they needed and
other items to support them in maximising their journey through education.
My Department will continue to provide this funding to schools for the coming school year.
This means that:
• schoolbooks, workbooks, and copybooks will be provided to all children and young
people enrolled in your school
• the cost of these items will be eliminated for your families and will ease the financial
burden facing families at back-to-school time.
Through this measure, we are enhancing equity of access to education. All children and
young people enrolled in recognised primary and special schools can commence the new
school year in 2024/25 with the same schoolbooks and classroom resources as other
children and young people in their class.
It is important to note that schools have been advised to provide, at a minimum,
schoolbooks, workbooks and copybooks from the funding available. Once these have been
provided, the funds should then be used to eliminate costs of related classroom resources
such as pens, pencils, and erasers or other materials, as far as possible.
My Department has published an information leaflet for parents/guardians on how the new
scheme will operate. The scheme guidance and parents’ leaflet is published at
www.gov.ie/schoolbookschemes.Should you have any query in relation to this new
scheme, please email: [email protected]
With every good wish
Norma Foley TD
Minister for Education
Sun Safe Tips
The easiest way to protect children’s skin from UV is to follow the SunSmart 5 S’s especially from April to September:
• Slip on clothing: We need to cover our skin as much as we can, using tops that have long sleeves to cover your arms and collars to cover your neck.
• Slop on sunscreen: Children need a stronger sunscreen than adults, with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 50, while adults should wear a sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30. The sunscreen you use should be water resistant with high UVA protection and be reapplied every couple of hours. No sunscreen can provide 100% protection; it should be used with other measures such as clothing and shade.
• Slap on a wide – brimmed hat: This will shade your face, ears and neck from the sun.
• Seek shade: Especially if outdoors between 11am and 3pm.
• Slide on sunglasses with UV protection: Guard your eyes from harm.
Even when it is cloudy, you should protect your skin as the sun’s UV rays can travel through cloud. Also important to remember do not deliberately try to get a suntan. Avoid getting a sunburn.
• Slip on clothing: We need to cover our skin as much as we can, using tops that have long sleeves to cover your arms and collars to cover your neck.
• Slop on sunscreen: Children need a stronger sunscreen than adults, with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 50, while adults should wear a sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30. The sunscreen you use should be water resistant with high UVA protection and be reapplied every couple of hours. No sunscreen can provide 100% protection; it should be used with other measures such as clothing and shade.
• Slap on a wide – brimmed hat: This will shade your face, ears and neck from the sun.
• Seek shade: Especially if outdoors between 11am and 3pm.
• Slide on sunglasses with UV protection: Guard your eyes from harm.
Even when it is cloudy, you should protect your skin as the sun’s UV rays can travel through cloud. Also important to remember do not deliberately try to get a suntan. Avoid getting a sunburn.
Information for families regarding School Transport Application Process for
2024/25 School Year
New applications for the 2024/25 school year
The Bus Éireann family portal is now open for new applications for school transport services for the 2024/25 school year. New applications are considered as:
• Students who will be attending junior infants in primary school or first year in post-primary school for the first time in 2024.
• Students that did not apply for school transport in previous school year(s).
• Students that may move home address or will be attending a new school in the 2024/25 school year
The closing date for new applications is Friday 26 April 2024. Any new applications made after the closing date are considered late applications. A late
application may mean that a ticket is not available.
All applicants - Payment/medical card details - closing date 7 June 2024
This year, families can apply and pay /enter medical card details in one step from the date the portal opens. This means new and existing applicants can pay/enter medical card details from now until 7 June 2024.
The Bus Éireann family portal is now open to accept payments/medical card details until 7 June 2024. Payments made after the deadline date will be
deemed late. A late payment may mean that a ticket is not available. The portal will close from 7 June 2024 for a 3-week period to allow Bus Éireann
time to plan for the new school year.
Payments/medical card details must be submitted for:
• new applicants, and;
• pupils who have previously applied/availed of school transport and require a seat on a service for the 24/25 school year.
Children (who are eligible for school transport) and who possess valid medical cards (GMS Scheme) are exempt from paying the annual charge however, their medical card details must be submitted to Bus Éireann. Bus Éireann are now accepting medical card details until 7 June 2024. Medical card details received after 7 of June deadline are considered late.
Customer Call Centre
Bus Éireann has put in place a dedicated customer care call centre to assist families specifically with School Transport queries during the busy summer
period. Families that have queries can contact the call centre on: LoCall 0818 919 910. Operating hours are 09.00 – 17.00 Monday to Friday.
Families can also contact Bus Éireann their website: www.buseireann.ie/schooltransport by submitting a query via:
https://www.buseireann.ie/inner.php?id=769, Updates on the application process can be found on Gov.ie/schooltransport and
on buseireann.ie/schooltransport
Eligibility
Children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, as
determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language and at post-primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post-primary school/education centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
• Children who are eligible for school transport and who have completed the application and payment process on time will be accommodated on
school transport services where such services are in operation and where capacity exists.
• Children who are not eligible for school transport, but who complete the application and payment process on time, will be considered for spare
seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.
• Because of the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an
excess of demand over supply for concessionary places, in these cases Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using an agreed selection
process.
• In addition, temporary alleviation measures will continue for the 2024/2025 school year, this means that transport will be provided, where
such services are in operation and where capacity exists, for pupils who are eligible for transport to their nearest school and are attending their second
nearest school/post primary centre and who apply and pay on time.
Ticket Charges
For the 2024/25 school year charges of €50 per student at primary level and €75 per student at post-primary level will apply, with a cap per family of €125. Eligible children with a full medical card and children who are eligible for SEN transport services remain exempt from the annual ticket charge.
School Transport Scheme Review
A review of the School Transport Scheme has been completed. This review was conducted with a view to examining the current scheme, its broader effectiveness, and sustainability and to ensure it services students and their families adequately.
The School Transport Scheme 2030 report has now been published, which marks the largest review of the School Transport Scheme since it was established in 1967. The Government is committed to working to achieve the report’s recommendation of expanding access to the scheme so that an additional 100,000 pupils can be carried by 2030. Throughout the review, the value of the School Transport Scheme to both families and in supporting wider Government policies has been very apparent. In summary, school transport not only plays an important part in supporting children's access to education, but it also aligns to wider Government objectives. Overall, the recommended changes to the future operation of the Scheme
concern:
• expansion of the current eligibility criteria,
• addressing current operational challenges
• charges and grants and
• over time, moving towards better integration with public transport to ensure optimum value for money to the Exchequer
A phased implementation of the review’s recommendations will commence in September 2024. This will include a shared effort between my Department and the Department of Transport to pilot and introduce greater integration of the roll out of transport networks with school transport routes, with a view to expanding provision of transport and reducing the reliance over time on individual car trips for school journeys. It is intended subject to resources to commence implementing the revised eligibility criteria in the 2025/2026 school year.
The Bus Éireann family portal is now open for new applications for school transport services for the 2024/25 school year. New applications are considered as:
• Students who will be attending junior infants in primary school or first year in post-primary school for the first time in 2024.
• Students that did not apply for school transport in previous school year(s).
• Students that may move home address or will be attending a new school in the 2024/25 school year
The closing date for new applications is Friday 26 April 2024. Any new applications made after the closing date are considered late applications. A late
application may mean that a ticket is not available.
All applicants - Payment/medical card details - closing date 7 June 2024
This year, families can apply and pay /enter medical card details in one step from the date the portal opens. This means new and existing applicants can pay/enter medical card details from now until 7 June 2024.
The Bus Éireann family portal is now open to accept payments/medical card details until 7 June 2024. Payments made after the deadline date will be
deemed late. A late payment may mean that a ticket is not available. The portal will close from 7 June 2024 for a 3-week period to allow Bus Éireann
time to plan for the new school year.
Payments/medical card details must be submitted for:
• new applicants, and;
• pupils who have previously applied/availed of school transport and require a seat on a service for the 24/25 school year.
Children (who are eligible for school transport) and who possess valid medical cards (GMS Scheme) are exempt from paying the annual charge however, their medical card details must be submitted to Bus Éireann. Bus Éireann are now accepting medical card details until 7 June 2024. Medical card details received after 7 of June deadline are considered late.
Customer Call Centre
Bus Éireann has put in place a dedicated customer care call centre to assist families specifically with School Transport queries during the busy summer
period. Families that have queries can contact the call centre on: LoCall 0818 919 910. Operating hours are 09.00 – 17.00 Monday to Friday.
Families can also contact Bus Éireann their website: www.buseireann.ie/schooltransport by submitting a query via:
https://www.buseireann.ie/inner.php?id=769, Updates on the application process can be found on Gov.ie/schooltransport and
on buseireann.ie/schooltransport
Eligibility
Children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, as
determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language and at post-primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post-primary school/education centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
• Children who are eligible for school transport and who have completed the application and payment process on time will be accommodated on
school transport services where such services are in operation and where capacity exists.
• Children who are not eligible for school transport, but who complete the application and payment process on time, will be considered for spare
seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.
• Because of the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an
excess of demand over supply for concessionary places, in these cases Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using an agreed selection
process.
• In addition, temporary alleviation measures will continue for the 2024/2025 school year, this means that transport will be provided, where
such services are in operation and where capacity exists, for pupils who are eligible for transport to their nearest school and are attending their second
nearest school/post primary centre and who apply and pay on time.
Ticket Charges
For the 2024/25 school year charges of €50 per student at primary level and €75 per student at post-primary level will apply, with a cap per family of €125. Eligible children with a full medical card and children who are eligible for SEN transport services remain exempt from the annual ticket charge.
School Transport Scheme Review
A review of the School Transport Scheme has been completed. This review was conducted with a view to examining the current scheme, its broader effectiveness, and sustainability and to ensure it services students and their families adequately.
The School Transport Scheme 2030 report has now been published, which marks the largest review of the School Transport Scheme since it was established in 1967. The Government is committed to working to achieve the report’s recommendation of expanding access to the scheme so that an additional 100,000 pupils can be carried by 2030. Throughout the review, the value of the School Transport Scheme to both families and in supporting wider Government policies has been very apparent. In summary, school transport not only plays an important part in supporting children's access to education, but it also aligns to wider Government objectives. Overall, the recommended changes to the future operation of the Scheme
concern:
• expansion of the current eligibility criteria,
• addressing current operational challenges
• charges and grants and
• over time, moving towards better integration with public transport to ensure optimum value for money to the Exchequer
A phased implementation of the review’s recommendations will commence in September 2024. This will include a shared effort between my Department and the Department of Transport to pilot and introduce greater integration of the roll out of transport networks with school transport routes, with a view to expanding provision of transport and reducing the reliance over time on individual car trips for school journeys. It is intended subject to resources to commence implementing the revised eligibility criteria in the 2025/2026 school year.
HSE National Immunisation Office
Reference Number: NIO.19.02.24.01
Re: Importance of MMR vaccine and being measles aware
Dear Principal,
In recent months there has been a rise in cases of measles in parts of the UK and Europe. On 7th February the HSE reported the death of an adult with confirmed measles. This is the first confirmed measles case notified in Ireland in 2024.
The HSE is writing to ask for your support in raising awareness among parents, guardians and school staff about:
watching out for the symptoms of measles
the importance of the MMR vaccine in protecting children
Support school vaccination teams in the delivery of 4 in 1 and MMR vaccine to junior infants
The majority of primary schools have been visited this academic year by HSE school vaccination teams to deliver 4 in 1 and MMR vaccine to junior infants.
We would appreciate if you would consider supporting efforts to prevent the spread of
measles by:
Encouraging parents to visit www.immunisation.ie for information about the
importance of MMR vaccine.
Re: Importance of MMR vaccine and being measles aware
Dear Principal,
In recent months there has been a rise in cases of measles in parts of the UK and Europe. On 7th February the HSE reported the death of an adult with confirmed measles. This is the first confirmed measles case notified in Ireland in 2024.
The HSE is writing to ask for your support in raising awareness among parents, guardians and school staff about:
watching out for the symptoms of measles
the importance of the MMR vaccine in protecting children
Support school vaccination teams in the delivery of 4 in 1 and MMR vaccine to junior infants
The majority of primary schools have been visited this academic year by HSE school vaccination teams to deliver 4 in 1 and MMR vaccine to junior infants.
We would appreciate if you would consider supporting efforts to prevent the spread of
measles by:
Encouraging parents to visit www.immunisation.ie for information about the
importance of MMR vaccine.
Inspectorate Update for Primary Schools - October 2023
ear principal, teachers, special needs assistants and members of the school community,
The new school year is well under way and, at this point, I would like to share some updates about the Inspectorate’s work with schools during the 2023/2024 school year.
Our inspection work
Our full inspection programme in primary schools this year includes:
Whole-school evaluation -
management, leadership and learning (WSE-MLL)
Evaluation of action planning for improvement in DEIS Schools (DEIS) Incidental inspection
Curriculum evaluation
Evaluation of provision for pupils with additional and special educational needs
Follow-through inspection
The Guide to Inspection is available here
Child protection and safeguarding inspection
The updated Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post
Primary Schools (Revised 2023) became effective from 1 September 2023. We ask that all school staff and board of management
members are made aware of the revised procedures and that the board formally adopts the 2023 procedures during the first meeting
of the school year. The updated mandatory templates are available here. Child protection checks are carried out as part of all
inspections in all schools and settings.
A new cycle of SSE started in September 2022. Year 1 (2022- 2023) was a review year that enabled schools to take stock of their engagement with SSE and to consider priorities in light of the impact of COVID-19 on pupils. During the next three years, schools should use SSE to address priorities such as teaching, learning, equity and inclusion, and curriculum. The SSE process should be used to start a wellbeing promotion review and development cycle by 2025. Schools in the DEIS programme should use the DEIS themes as the main focus for their SSE to address the priorities outlined in SSE Next Steps. These include attendance, retention, literacy, numeracy, supporting educational transitions, partnership with parents and others. Leadership, wellbeing and CPD should be integrated across all themes. To support all schools in this process, we have published the latest issue of the SSE Newsletter, which
includes links to SSE resources.
Schools can also request SSE advisory visits from the Inspectorate by emailing [email protected]
Some other developments
School attendance campaign resources
The Minister for Education launched a school attendance campaign in September 2023. Information, resources and
toolkits on attendance promotion will soon be made available to schools. There will also be a series of webinars
available here on the promotion of school attendance, which may be of interest to you.
Inspectorate homepage on gov.ie
To support access to Inspectorate materials, including inspection guidelines, reports and publications, and resources for children and parents, we are
working to enhance the Inspectorate homepage on gov.ie. This page will enable you to access various documents and materials
published by the Inspectorate in a more user-friendly way. We will share details of this homepage when it is available.
Student participation in inspections
As you will know from my last update, the Inspectorate is committed to eliciting children’s views about their learning in a rights-respecting
way. To help them to understand what an inspection is, and to interact confidently with inspectors, we created a number of resources
for children and their parents about inspection, including videos about how focus groups work. There is a webinar for educators also, Promoting
the participation of children and young people in inspection: Information for educators. The resources are available here.
The first term of the school year is always a very exciting time, as new experiences and opportunities develop. I hope the remainder
of this term will be enjoyable and fruitful for all staff and pupils and I wish you all the very best.
Yvonne Keating,
Chief Inspector
The new school year is well under way and, at this point, I would like to share some updates about the Inspectorate’s work with schools during the 2023/2024 school year.
Our inspection work
Our full inspection programme in primary schools this year includes:
Whole-school evaluation -
management, leadership and learning (WSE-MLL)
Evaluation of action planning for improvement in DEIS Schools (DEIS) Incidental inspection
Curriculum evaluation
Evaluation of provision for pupils with additional and special educational needs
Follow-through inspection
The Guide to Inspection is available here
Child protection and safeguarding inspection
The updated Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post
Primary Schools (Revised 2023) became effective from 1 September 2023. We ask that all school staff and board of management
members are made aware of the revised procedures and that the board formally adopts the 2023 procedures during the first meeting
of the school year. The updated mandatory templates are available here. Child protection checks are carried out as part of all
inspections in all schools and settings.
A new cycle of SSE started in September 2022. Year 1 (2022- 2023) was a review year that enabled schools to take stock of their engagement with SSE and to consider priorities in light of the impact of COVID-19 on pupils. During the next three years, schools should use SSE to address priorities such as teaching, learning, equity and inclusion, and curriculum. The SSE process should be used to start a wellbeing promotion review and development cycle by 2025. Schools in the DEIS programme should use the DEIS themes as the main focus for their SSE to address the priorities outlined in SSE Next Steps. These include attendance, retention, literacy, numeracy, supporting educational transitions, partnership with parents and others. Leadership, wellbeing and CPD should be integrated across all themes. To support all schools in this process, we have published the latest issue of the SSE Newsletter, which
includes links to SSE resources.
Schools can also request SSE advisory visits from the Inspectorate by emailing [email protected]
Some other developments
School attendance campaign resources
The Minister for Education launched a school attendance campaign in September 2023. Information, resources and
toolkits on attendance promotion will soon be made available to schools. There will also be a series of webinars
available here on the promotion of school attendance, which may be of interest to you.
Inspectorate homepage on gov.ie
To support access to Inspectorate materials, including inspection guidelines, reports and publications, and resources for children and parents, we are
working to enhance the Inspectorate homepage on gov.ie. This page will enable you to access various documents and materials
published by the Inspectorate in a more user-friendly way. We will share details of this homepage when it is available.
Student participation in inspections
As you will know from my last update, the Inspectorate is committed to eliciting children’s views about their learning in a rights-respecting
way. To help them to understand what an inspection is, and to interact confidently with inspectors, we created a number of resources
for children and their parents about inspection, including videos about how focus groups work. There is a webinar for educators also, Promoting
the participation of children and young people in inspection: Information for educators. The resources are available here.
The first term of the school year is always a very exciting time, as new experiences and opportunities develop. I hope the remainder
of this term will be enjoyable and fruitful for all staff and pupils and I wish you all the very best.
Yvonne Keating,
Chief Inspector
19th May 2023
Data Protection Commission (DPC) has recently published four short guides for parents on children’s data protection rights under the GDPR. These guides are intended to help parents to understand their children’s rights and to answer questions that can arise in typical situations where those rights apply. This information will give parents the opportunity to read them and learn about their children’s data protection rights.
My Child's Data Protection Rights
My child’s data protection rights – the basics
Data Protection Commission (DPC) has recently published four short guides for parents on children’s data protection rights under the GDPR. These guides are intended to help parents to understand their children’s rights and to answer questions that can arise in typical situations where those rights apply. This information will give parents the opportunity to read them and learn about their children’s data protection rights.
My Child's Data Protection Rights
My child’s data protection rights – the basics
- This outlines some of the issues that can arise when a parent seeks to exercise data protection rights on behalf of their child.
- This looks at the meaning of the ‘age of digital consent’ and outlines when parents’ consent may be needed for processing their child’s personal data, and how parents can approach those cases.
- This is intended to help parents understand the rights that they have in relation to their children’s data and gives some useful advice on how to protect their children’s rights.
- This outlines some important limits to how and when children’s data protection rights may be exercised, whether by children themselves or by parents on their behalf. It outlines some common situations where these can arise and suggests ways in which parents can address them.
DATE: 6th January 2023
TO: All Principals, for sharing with parents, guardians and staff
FROM: Dr Eamonn O’Moore, Director National Health Protection; Dr Abigail Collins, National Clinical Lead Child Health Public Health
RE: Significant levels of Flu, Covid-19 and RSV currently circulating
Significant increase in viral infections
We have seen a very significant increase in the usual winter viral infections. This includes an increase
in flu, RSV and now Covid-19. This is because we are all mixing together more.
We would like to thank you for supporting the dissemination of these important messages and thank
the whole school community for their efforts in following public health advice. As schools and other
activities re-open it is timely to remind the school community of the key measures outlined below.
Important messages for families and children regarding any infections:
1) The most important measure is to stay home if you are unwell.
Many children might have a runny nose or a slight cough in winter season. However, if a child is
feeling unwell they should be at home.
For example, they may have:
fever
cough, and
sore throat
1) They should stay at home until those symptoms have finished.
Children unwell with symptoms of one infection are more likely to get ‘co-infected’ with another infection which might make them more unwell, if they are exposed.
See https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/colds-coughs-children/
Staying home when unwell will help prevent spread to other children, families and staff.
2) Infection, prevention and control measures
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Keep hands clean
Many of the measures that we all got used to with Covid-19 are still important. Hygiene measures
such as these should be encouraged for everyone. These measures help stop the spread of infection.
3) Vaccination
Making sure your child is up to date on all recommended vaccinations will help:
- stop your child getting an infection and
- make them less likely to be unwell if they do get an infection
Routine childhood vaccinations protect against many significant viral and bacterial infections.
More information is available at https://www2.hse.ie/babies-children/vaccines-your-child/
Flu vaccine
Children and young people with underlying conditions, are at increased risk of severe complications
from flu and are recommended the flu vaccine.
It is important that all adults and children recommended the flu vaccine receive the vaccine. Check if
you are recommended the flu vaccine at hse.ie/flu
It is not too late to get your free flu vaccine.
More information is available at
www2.hse.ie/conditions/flu/getting-the-vaccine/
Vaccination for Covid-19 is still available. Visit
www2.hse.ie/screening-and-vaccinations/covid-19-vaccine/get-the-vaccine/children/
The most important ways to prevent the spread of all infections are making sure:
anyone unwell stays at home
children and adults are up to date with their recommended vaccines, including flu
4. If you are concerned about your child
If you are concerned your child may be unwell, please check https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coldscoughs-children/ There is information on coughs, colds, fever, rashes and symptoms of concern.
Advice on when to contact your GP or go to a hospital emergency department is available at
https://www2.hse.ie/babies-children/parenting-advice/caring-for-a-child/baby-child-seriouslyunwell/
Typical symptoms of viral infections
Symptoms of viral infections typically include:
runny or blocked nose
mild fever
cough
lethargy (tiredness)
Many children with viral infections also have a generalised rash.
Most children with viral infections can safely be cared for at home.
TO: All Principals, for sharing with parents, guardians and staff
FROM: Dr Eamonn O’Moore, Director National Health Protection; Dr Abigail Collins, National Clinical Lead Child Health Public Health
RE: Significant levels of Flu, Covid-19 and RSV currently circulating
Significant increase in viral infections
We have seen a very significant increase in the usual winter viral infections. This includes an increase
in flu, RSV and now Covid-19. This is because we are all mixing together more.
We would like to thank you for supporting the dissemination of these important messages and thank
the whole school community for their efforts in following public health advice. As schools and other
activities re-open it is timely to remind the school community of the key measures outlined below.
Important messages for families and children regarding any infections:
1) The most important measure is to stay home if you are unwell.
Many children might have a runny nose or a slight cough in winter season. However, if a child is
feeling unwell they should be at home.
For example, they may have:
fever
cough, and
sore throat
1) They should stay at home until those symptoms have finished.
Children unwell with symptoms of one infection are more likely to get ‘co-infected’ with another infection which might make them more unwell, if they are exposed.
See https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/colds-coughs-children/
Staying home when unwell will help prevent spread to other children, families and staff.
2) Infection, prevention and control measures
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Keep hands clean
Many of the measures that we all got used to with Covid-19 are still important. Hygiene measures
such as these should be encouraged for everyone. These measures help stop the spread of infection.
3) Vaccination
Making sure your child is up to date on all recommended vaccinations will help:
- stop your child getting an infection and
- make them less likely to be unwell if they do get an infection
Routine childhood vaccinations protect against many significant viral and bacterial infections.
More information is available at https://www2.hse.ie/babies-children/vaccines-your-child/
Flu vaccine
Children and young people with underlying conditions, are at increased risk of severe complications
from flu and are recommended the flu vaccine.
It is important that all adults and children recommended the flu vaccine receive the vaccine. Check if
you are recommended the flu vaccine at hse.ie/flu
It is not too late to get your free flu vaccine.
More information is available at
www2.hse.ie/conditions/flu/getting-the-vaccine/
Vaccination for Covid-19 is still available. Visit
www2.hse.ie/screening-and-vaccinations/covid-19-vaccine/get-the-vaccine/children/
The most important ways to prevent the spread of all infections are making sure:
anyone unwell stays at home
children and adults are up to date with their recommended vaccines, including flu
4. If you are concerned about your child
If you are concerned your child may be unwell, please check https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coldscoughs-children/ There is information on coughs, colds, fever, rashes and symptoms of concern.
Advice on when to contact your GP or go to a hospital emergency department is available at
https://www2.hse.ie/babies-children/parenting-advice/caring-for-a-child/baby-child-seriouslyunwell/
Typical symptoms of viral infections
Symptoms of viral infections typically include:
runny or blocked nose
mild fever
cough
lethargy (tiredness)
Many children with viral infections also have a generalised rash.
Most children with viral infections can safely be cared for at home.
Significant increase in viral infections and Group A Strep infections
TO: All Principals, for sharing with parents, guardians and staff
FROM: Dr Eamonn O’Moore, Director National Health Protection;
Dr Abigail Collins, National Clinical Lead Child Health Public Health
RE: Significant increase in viral infections and Group A Strep infections
DATE: 7th December 2022
There has been a large increase in general viral infections among children and young people this winter. There have also been recent concerns about a rare bacterial infection. This infection is iGAS (an invasive Group A Streptococcal infection). It is and also known as Group A Strep.
Significant increase in viral infections
We have seen a significant increase in the usual winter viral infections. This includes an increase in flu. This is because children are mixing together more. In previous years social contact was much reduced. This in turn reduced the rates of routine infection.
Typical symptoms of viral infections
Symptoms of viral infections typically include:
• runny or blocked nose
• mild fever
• cough
• lethargy (tiredness)
Many children with viral infections also have a generalised rash.
Most children with viral infections can safely be cared for at home.
More information can be found at https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/colds-coughs-children/
Group A Strep and related bacterial infections
There have been cases of serious bacterial infections, specifically Group A Strep.
Severe infection is rare. Group A Strep more commonly causes infections such as:
• tonsillitis
• scarlet fever
• skin infections
Ireland has seen cases of more serious infections recently. But so far there has been no increase
compared to what we saw before the Covid-19 pandemic.
Information about managing illnesses of concern will continue to be updated on hse.ie over coming
days and weeks.
Important messages for families and children regarding any infections:
1) The most important measure is to stay home if you are unwell.
Many children might have a runny nose or a slight cough in winter season. However, if a child is feeling unwell they should be at home. For example, they may have:
• fever
• cough, and
• sore throat
They should stay at home until those symptoms have finished.
See https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/colds-coughs-children/
Children with symptoms are more likely to spread infections. For example, they may spread flu or
bacterial infections. Staying home when unwell will help prevent spread to other children, families
and staff.
2) Infection, prevention and control measures
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Keep hands clean
These measures that we all got used to with Covid-19 are still important. They should be encouraged
for everyone. These measures help stop the spread of infection.
3) Vaccination
Making sure your child is up to date on all recommended vaccinations will help:
- stop your child getting an infection and
- make them less likely to be unwell if they do get an infection
Routine childhood vaccinations protect against many significant viral and bacterial infections.
There is no vaccine against many viral illnesses or Strep A.
More information is available at https://www2.hse.ie/babies-children/vaccines-your-child/Flu vaccine
The nasal spray flu vaccine is available for children aged 2 to 17 years. It helps protect against severe
infection with flu and onward spread.
See https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/flu/childrens-flu-vaccine/
Many adults are also recommended to have the flu vaccine.
More information is available at
www2.hse.ie/conditions/flu/getting-the-vaccine/
Vaccination for Covid-19 is still available. Visit
www2.hse.ie/screening-and-vaccinations/covid-19-vaccine/get-the-vaccine/children/
The most important ways to prevent the spread of all infections are:
• making sure anyone unwell stays at home
• children and adults are up to date with their recommended vaccines, including flu
4. If you are concerned about your child
If you are concerned your child may be unwell, please check hse.ie. There is information on coughs,
colds, fever, rashes and symptoms of concern. There is advice on when to contact your GP or go to a
hospital emergency department. https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/colds-coughs-children/
For All Information Re Covid Please Go To www.hse.ie
Ukraine NEPS Advice for Parents - Please find advice to parents with regard to supporting children and young people in our schools at this time of war in Ukraine here
Jan 5th 2022
With schools opening this week, the Department is launching a communications campaign focusing on the importance of upholding high standards of safety in schools and at home.
December 2021
COVID-19 vaccine information for parents of children aged 5-11
The Department has been asked by the HSE to disseminate the information below to schools for onward communication to parents/guardians.
COVID-19 vaccine information for parents of children aged 5-11
The HSE has published detailed information and guidance for parents about COVID-19 vaccines for children aged 5-11. This aims to help parents and guardians of 5-11 year old children make an informed decision when it’s time for their child to be offered a COVID-19 vaccine.
Registration for the vaccine will open shortly, with priority being placed on children who are more at risk from COVID-19 or children who have a high-risk person in the family. Parents and guardians can read this information on www2.hse.ie/screening-and-vaccinations/covid-19-vaccine/get-the-vaccine/covid-19-vaccination-for-children/ or they can download these information booklets from HSE.ie
www.hse.ie/eng/services/covid-19-resources-and-translations/covid-19-vaccine-materials/important-information-for-parents-and-guardians-about-the-covid-19-vaccine-for-children-aged-5-11.pdf
COVID-19 vaccine information for parents of children aged 5-11
The HSE has published detailed information and guidance for parents about COVID-19 vaccines for children aged 5-11. This aims to help parents and guardians of 5-11 year old children make an informed decision when it’s time for their child to be offered a COVID-19 vaccine.
Registration for the vaccine will open shortly, with priority being placed on children who are more at risk from COVID-19 or children who have a high-risk person in the family. Parents and guardians can read this information on www2.hse.ie/screening-and-vaccinations/covid-19-vaccine/get-the-vaccine/covid-19-vaccination-for-children/ or they can download these information booklets from HSE.ie
www.hse.ie/eng/services/covid-19-resources-and-translations/covid-19-vaccine-materials/important-information-for-parents-and-guardians-about-the-covid-19-vaccine-for-children-aged-5-11.pdf
FACE COVERINGS
The Department has been made aware that a small number of schools many not have received the FAQs on face masks/coverings which can be found here: www.gov.ie/en/publication/d3c55-department-of-education-guidance-on-the-use-of-face-coverings-in-primary-schools/
1st December 2021
Letter from the Chief Medical Officer to parents
Dear Parent/Guardian,
The ongoing efforts by parents and children to adhere to the public health advice during this pandemic has been fundamental to our work to drive down the incidence of COVID-19 in the community.
Our priority continues to be to minimise risk and protect as many people as possible from severe illness. As you are aware, the National Public Health Emergency Team monitors incidence of COVID-19 in all age cohorts and environments on an ongoing basis.
In a very short period of time, we have seen a significant and rapid deterioration in the epidemiological situation, and a resultant very high incidence in the as-yet-unvaccinated 5 – 11-year- old age group. This is a cause for some concern.
Schools are at the heart of our communities and they play a fundamental role in the social lives and wellbeing of our children; this is particularly true for children who have special educational needs, are disadvantaged or who may have been disproportionately impacted by school closures during the pandemic. It is therefore imperative that we move quickly as soon as we notice a significant change in incidence.
In addition to the general public health advice to reduce discretionary social contact and for at least the next two weeks, the following events and activities should be avoided:
• Indoor birthday parties and play dates – these should take place outdoors and should be kept small
• Sleepovers
• Indoor community gatherings involving children including communions, confirmations, nativity and other seasonal events
Further to this, parents should:
Not let children attend school or creche if they have any symptoms of COVID-19. Help them to isolate at home and arrange a PCR test straight away.
Reduce their own contacts. This means work from home unless it is essential to attend the workplace in person, it also means making difficult decisions to avoid indoor social gatherings.
Meet others outdoors where possible.
Wear a mask if you cannot keep a distance from others.
Ensure that your child wears a mask if it is recommended for them.
If anyone in your household is symptomatic, they should isolate and get a PCR test. You should not use or rely on the results of an antigen test if you have symptoms
If your child is a close contact of a case in school, you may be asked to use antigen tests, supplied by the HSE, as an additional tool. If any stage your child develops symptoms of COVID-19 or an antigen test is ‘positive’ they should be isolated at home and parents should arrange a PCR test for them.
One in five young adults are not yet vaccinated, please consider vaccination for any older children in your household not yet protected
I am keenly aware that these measures are not what any of us want to hear, particularly at this time of year. I know this is an additional burden at what has been a very difficult time for all of us, particularly those of us with young families.
That being said, parents have a key role to play in reducing transmission within and between households. At this time of year, young children often display respiratory symptoms, and we know that it gets increasingly difficult to isolate and arrange PCR tests repeatedly. But this remains an essential measure to protect families and the wider community.
When incidence of disease is as high as it at the moment across the country, it means that the force of infection is pushed down through the unvaccainted population and into our unvaccinated young children. While we know that most in this age group will experience a very mild form of this disease if they pick it up, for a small few, they may become severely ill. I am hopeful that if we all make a concerted effort to follow these measures for at least the next two weeks, we can make a real
difference to incidence of disease in this cohort and in the wider public.
NPHET has recommended, on a temporary basis, the wearing of face masks for children:
Aged 9 years and over on public transport, in retail and other indoor public settings as currently required for those aged 13 and over, with exemptions as appropriate; and
In third class and above in primary school (guidance will issue to schools from the Department of Education on this).
This measure will be subject to review by NPHET in mid-February 2022.
I would also like to note that vaccines are doing an excellent job of preventing severe illness and disease in those who are fully vaccinated. This is really good news, and I welcome the European Medicines Agency (EMA) authorisation of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine for primary school going children (5-11 years). We anticipate receiving further advice from the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) in the near future.
Many thanks for your continued effort to keep our schools and our wider communities safe.
Yours Sincerely,
________________________
Dr Tony Holohan
Chief Medical Officer
The ongoing efforts by parents and children to adhere to the public health advice during this pandemic has been fundamental to our work to drive down the incidence of COVID-19 in the community.
Our priority continues to be to minimise risk and protect as many people as possible from severe illness. As you are aware, the National Public Health Emergency Team monitors incidence of COVID-19 in all age cohorts and environments on an ongoing basis.
In a very short period of time, we have seen a significant and rapid deterioration in the epidemiological situation, and a resultant very high incidence in the as-yet-unvaccinated 5 – 11-year- old age group. This is a cause for some concern.
Schools are at the heart of our communities and they play a fundamental role in the social lives and wellbeing of our children; this is particularly true for children who have special educational needs, are disadvantaged or who may have been disproportionately impacted by school closures during the pandemic. It is therefore imperative that we move quickly as soon as we notice a significant change in incidence.
In addition to the general public health advice to reduce discretionary social contact and for at least the next two weeks, the following events and activities should be avoided:
• Indoor birthday parties and play dates – these should take place outdoors and should be kept small
• Sleepovers
• Indoor community gatherings involving children including communions, confirmations, nativity and other seasonal events
Further to this, parents should:
Not let children attend school or creche if they have any symptoms of COVID-19. Help them to isolate at home and arrange a PCR test straight away.
Reduce their own contacts. This means work from home unless it is essential to attend the workplace in person, it also means making difficult decisions to avoid indoor social gatherings.
Meet others outdoors where possible.
Wear a mask if you cannot keep a distance from others.
Ensure that your child wears a mask if it is recommended for them.
If anyone in your household is symptomatic, they should isolate and get a PCR test. You should not use or rely on the results of an antigen test if you have symptoms
If your child is a close contact of a case in school, you may be asked to use antigen tests, supplied by the HSE, as an additional tool. If any stage your child develops symptoms of COVID-19 or an antigen test is ‘positive’ they should be isolated at home and parents should arrange a PCR test for them.
One in five young adults are not yet vaccinated, please consider vaccination for any older children in your household not yet protected
I am keenly aware that these measures are not what any of us want to hear, particularly at this time of year. I know this is an additional burden at what has been a very difficult time for all of us, particularly those of us with young families.
That being said, parents have a key role to play in reducing transmission within and between households. At this time of year, young children often display respiratory symptoms, and we know that it gets increasingly difficult to isolate and arrange PCR tests repeatedly. But this remains an essential measure to protect families and the wider community.
When incidence of disease is as high as it at the moment across the country, it means that the force of infection is pushed down through the unvaccainted population and into our unvaccinated young children. While we know that most in this age group will experience a very mild form of this disease if they pick it up, for a small few, they may become severely ill. I am hopeful that if we all make a concerted effort to follow these measures for at least the next two weeks, we can make a real
difference to incidence of disease in this cohort and in the wider public.
NPHET has recommended, on a temporary basis, the wearing of face masks for children:
Aged 9 years and over on public transport, in retail and other indoor public settings as currently required for those aged 13 and over, with exemptions as appropriate; and
In third class and above in primary school (guidance will issue to schools from the Department of Education on this).
This measure will be subject to review by NPHET in mid-February 2022.
I would also like to note that vaccines are doing an excellent job of preventing severe illness and disease in those who are fully vaccinated. This is really good news, and I welcome the European Medicines Agency (EMA) authorisation of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine for primary school going children (5-11 years). We anticipate receiving further advice from the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) in the near future.
Many thanks for your continued effort to keep our schools and our wider communities safe.
Yours Sincerely,
________________________
Dr Tony Holohan
Chief Medical Officer
Reminder - Parents it is of vital importance to not congregate at or near school (at the school wall or in the car park at any time) and that communication with the school must take place by phone or online as per government guidelines
25 November 2021
Dear Parent,
This is an update on plans to provide for the use of antigen testing in certain circumstances in children who are asymptomatic and part of a classroom pod, where there is a confirmed case of COVID-19.
The most important way to protect against any onward spread of infection is that if your child has any symptoms of COVID-19, including a new cough, shortness of breath, high temperature, sore throat, they should self-isolate at home and you should book a COVID-19 PCR test for them. PCR tests can be booked here: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/covid19/testing/get-tested/
Children who have symptoms should not use antigen tests, they should stay at home and organise a PCR test for Covid-19. If a parent/guardian has any concerns about their child they should contact their GP, as per normal.
From 29 November 2021, if a parent or guardian receives a positive (detected) PCR COVID-19 test result for their child, we are asking that they contact their child’s school principal immediately to let them know.
The principal will then tell this parent/guardian, that they will be contacting the parents of the other children in their child’s pod, to give them details of how they can order free antigen tests for their children using a Freephone number. The principal is requested not to share any personal information relating to any other child with parents.
Antigen tests are potentially an extra measure to help protect against transmission of COVID-19 (coronavirus). You do the tests yourself at home. The test sample does not have to go to a lab. You usually get your results in 15 minutes.
If just one pod is involved, only the children in this pod will be offered antigen tests. If there are two pods with separate confirmed cases of COVID-19, then parents or guardians of children in the whole class will be contacted and provided with the information on how they can request antigen tests.
You will need to provide your child’s name and home address together with the school’s roll number, which will be provided by the school when contacting the Freephone number to order the test.
These tests will be delivered free of charge directly to the parent or guardian at their home address and the child’s parent can decide if they want to do the tests. The HSE has prepared instructions and a video for parents. Full details will be in the antigen test pack.
The HSE advises that parents/guardians should carry out the first antigen test for their child on the day that they receive the test kit, they should do a second test 2 days later, and a third test 2 days after that.
The children in the pod of the confirmed COVID-19 case can continue to attend school as long as they have no symptoms and they do not have a positive COVID-19 test result (antigen or PCR). If at any time, your child develops symptoms they should isolate at home and you should book a COVID-19 PCR test for them. Do this even if the antigen test has a negative (not detected) result.
If an antigen test is positive, it is important that your child isolates at home and that you book a COVID-19 PCR test online at the HSE test portal.
A QR code will be provided to afford parents the opportunity to upload the result of a test result to inform the HSE. This information is very important to understand the Covid-19 pandemic.
School principals have been requested not to share any information with parents that might identify the positive COVID-19 case.
Participating in antigen testing is a voluntary programme, therefore it is not necessary for parents to share information with the school about whether they have requested antigen tests and undertaken negative tests.
Children who are well should continue to come to school whether they participate in antigen testing or not.
The decision to do antigen testing with your child is completely up to parents and guardians and will have no impact on your child’s education or experience in school.
The voluntary programme of antigen testing is an additional measure and does not replace the very important public health measures currently in your school.
We continue to ask that you remind your children of the importance of these measures to stop spread of infection.
Yours faithfully
Deirdre Shanley
Assistant Secretary
18th November 2021
Parents/guardians of a primary school child, who has been confirmed as having COVID-19 following a PCR test, are asked to inform their school’s principal. The school principal will then inform the parents of other children in the pod of a confirmed case. No personal details of the child will be shared. These parents will be provided with the option to receive free antigen tests for their child, which they will be able to order for delivery to their home.
It is not mandatory for children to participate in antigen testing. Children who are in a pod where a child has tested positive for COVID-19 can continue to attend school, whether they participate in antigen testing or not, provided that they are not experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
If a child displays any symptoms of COVID-19 they should self-isolate immediately and a parent or guardian should arrange a PCR test.
When a parent receives a ‘detected’/positive PCR COVID-19 test result on their child, they should notify the school principal immediately.
The school principal will inform the parents of the children in the case’s pod that they are close contacts of a confirmed COVID-19 case. The name of the case or any other details will not be shared.
The school principal will identify the children in the case’s pod, and inform their parents, offering the opportunity to order antigen tests from the distribution company.
The antigen tests will be posted to the parents of the children in the pod.
Parents carry out the antigen test on the day that they receive it and every second day until three tests have been done.
The children in the pod can continue to attend school as long as they remain asymptomatic and their antigen test results remain not detected.
If a child’s antigen test indicates a positive result:
If an antigen test is positive, the child isolates at home and the child’s parent/guardian logs onto the HSE to request a PCR test.
The antigen test distribution company will record the numbers of antigen tests distributed, batch numbers and the names of the relevant schools.
If a child develops symptoms of COVID-19:
If at any stage a child becomes symptomatic they should isolate at home and organise a COVID-19 PCR test if indicated. A 'not–detected' antigen test holds no value in this situation of a symptomatic child.
If two or more cases arise in a class, outside a single pod:
In a case where two or more cases arise in a class, within a seven-day period, outside of a single pod, antigen testing will be offered to the full class.
3rd November 2021
Updated information for parents regarding Covid Guidelines
www.gov.ie/en/publication/a04fc-advice-for-students-and-their-families/#health-advice-for-parents
www.gov.ie/en/publication/a04fc-advice-for-students-and-their-families/#health-advice-for-parents
29th September 2021
Information for Parents about the changes to contact tracing and testing for children aged between 3 months and 13 years in Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School Age Childcare (SAC), education (primary school), sports, and social settings
What is changing?
The National Public Health Emergency Team has provided updated new advice to the HSE.
Routine contact tracing and testing of asymptomatic (no symptoms) close contacts among
children in these settings will no longer take place from Monday September 27.
What stays the same?
Children with symptoms - Public Health advice remains the same for any child aged
between 3 months and 13 years of age with symptoms of COVID 19. They need to immediately
self-isolate, stay at home, and you should contact their GP for advice and COVID 19 testing.
Children who are household close contacts - Children aged between 3 months and 13
years who are household contacts of a confirmed case of COVID 19 will still have to restrict
their movements and get a COVID 19 test. A child under 13 who is not fully vaccinated, is a
household contact if they were present overnight in a house or residential setting while a
person with COVID 19 was infectious in that house. This may be their own home or if they
were staying overnight with family or friends.
What will be different from Monday September 27th?
From Monday September 27th children who do not have symptoms of COVID-19 and may
have been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 in schools, childcare facilities,
sports, and social settings, will not have to restrict their movements or get a COVID 19 test.
Questions parents or guardians might have
My child is a close contact from childcare, primary school, a sporting or social event
and they have not finished their 14 days restricted movements yet - can they go back
to school on Monday 27th?
Yes, from Monday 27th, once your child has no symptoms of COVID 19 they can go back to
their activities. Your child may have a test appointment booked, and may still receive a test
appointment text message. They do not need to have this test. They do not need to keep
restricting their movements. There is different advice for children who are household close
contacts, and children who are close contacts from a setting such as a special education
needs class or a respite care facility.
Household close contacts.
Children in a household where there is a positive case of COVID 19 will need to continue
restricting their movements and follow the advice they got from the HSE. This will have
explained whether they need to restrict their movements for 14 days or 17 days if there is
ongoing household exposure. They will also need to have their COVID 19 tests.
Children in Special Education Needs schools, classes, respite care.
Children in these settings can return on Monday once they have restricted their movements
for 5 days and have no new signs or symptoms of COVID 19.
Will contact tracing of children happen in primary schools, childcare, SAC and ELC or
social and sporting settings from Monday 27th September?
No, not routinely but in some circumstances, Public Health teams may still do a Public Health
Risk Assessment. In more complex settings like respite care or SEN, Public Health will
continue to do Public Health Risk Assessments. They will also provide advice and support.
Will the measures in place to deal with COVID 19 in these settings still remain in place?
Yes all infection prevention and control measures currently in place will remain.
What about specific settings e.g. Respite care, Special Educational Needs settings etc?
In these settings Public Health will continue to do Public Health Risk Assessments and provide
advice and support. Public Health want all children without symptoms of COVID 19 to be able
to participate in school and activities. However, in some instances it may still be that Public
Health will need to ask some children to restrict their movements. Any period of restricted
movements for children in these settings will only be when needed and if necessary, and will
now be for 5 days. Children who are close contacts in these settings will now only be offered
COVID 19 test. Testing will not be needed to end restricted movements after 5 days.
What should I do if I am concerned about my child’s symptoms?
If you think your child has symptoms of COVID 19 you should immediately make sure they
self-isolate. You should phone their GP for advice and guidance, and COVID 19 testing if the
GP thinks it is necessary.
What about if my child has a mild symptom like a runny nose?
If your child has a runny nose, but is otherwise in good health and good form,
then they can go to school. If your child has a runny nose and other symptoms and seems a
little off form, then they should stay home from school or childcare. You should watch their
symptoms and contact their GP for advice if you are worried. Children with chronic symptoms
should not be regularly or routinely excluded from school or social and sporting settings.
Will Public Health teams still provide support and advice to schools?
Public Health teams will continue to provide support to schools should it be clinically required.
Testing will be available for children for public health or clinical reasons, or after a Public
Health Risk Assessment.
Why is this change happening?
We now know that children are more likely than adults, to have no COVID 19 symptoms or to
have mild disease. When we looked at cases identified in school settings we see that child to
child transmission in schools is uncommon. School transmission is not the main cause of SarsCoV (COVID 19) infection in children, particularly in preschool and primary schools. Children
are rarely identified as the route of transmission of infection into the household. Children are
not more likely than adults to spread infection to others.
This change is also happening because there has been a widespread uptake of COVID 19
vaccination in Ireland among those aged 12 years and older. Vaccines have reduced the
spread of COVID 19 and the risk of severe disease and or having to go to hospital.
Another very important reason to make this change is that we know the negative impact
absences from school have on children’s educational, social and emotional well-being. We
believe that this is a positive change for children, while still making sure there is rapid access
to testing for children who clinically need it.
What is changing?
The National Public Health Emergency Team has provided updated new advice to the HSE.
Routine contact tracing and testing of asymptomatic (no symptoms) close contacts among
children in these settings will no longer take place from Monday September 27.
What stays the same?
Children with symptoms - Public Health advice remains the same for any child aged
between 3 months and 13 years of age with symptoms of COVID 19. They need to immediately
self-isolate, stay at home, and you should contact their GP for advice and COVID 19 testing.
Children who are household close contacts - Children aged between 3 months and 13
years who are household contacts of a confirmed case of COVID 19 will still have to restrict
their movements and get a COVID 19 test. A child under 13 who is not fully vaccinated, is a
household contact if they were present overnight in a house or residential setting while a
person with COVID 19 was infectious in that house. This may be their own home or if they
were staying overnight with family or friends.
What will be different from Monday September 27th?
From Monday September 27th children who do not have symptoms of COVID-19 and may
have been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 in schools, childcare facilities,
sports, and social settings, will not have to restrict their movements or get a COVID 19 test.
Questions parents or guardians might have
My child is a close contact from childcare, primary school, a sporting or social event
and they have not finished their 14 days restricted movements yet - can they go back
to school on Monday 27th?
Yes, from Monday 27th, once your child has no symptoms of COVID 19 they can go back to
their activities. Your child may have a test appointment booked, and may still receive a test
appointment text message. They do not need to have this test. They do not need to keep
restricting their movements. There is different advice for children who are household close
contacts, and children who are close contacts from a setting such as a special education
needs class or a respite care facility.
Household close contacts.
Children in a household where there is a positive case of COVID 19 will need to continue
restricting their movements and follow the advice they got from the HSE. This will have
explained whether they need to restrict their movements for 14 days or 17 days if there is
ongoing household exposure. They will also need to have their COVID 19 tests.
Children in Special Education Needs schools, classes, respite care.
Children in these settings can return on Monday once they have restricted their movements
for 5 days and have no new signs or symptoms of COVID 19.
Will contact tracing of children happen in primary schools, childcare, SAC and ELC or
social and sporting settings from Monday 27th September?
No, not routinely but in some circumstances, Public Health teams may still do a Public Health
Risk Assessment. In more complex settings like respite care or SEN, Public Health will
continue to do Public Health Risk Assessments. They will also provide advice and support.
Will the measures in place to deal with COVID 19 in these settings still remain in place?
Yes all infection prevention and control measures currently in place will remain.
What about specific settings e.g. Respite care, Special Educational Needs settings etc?
In these settings Public Health will continue to do Public Health Risk Assessments and provide
advice and support. Public Health want all children without symptoms of COVID 19 to be able
to participate in school and activities. However, in some instances it may still be that Public
Health will need to ask some children to restrict their movements. Any period of restricted
movements for children in these settings will only be when needed and if necessary, and will
now be for 5 days. Children who are close contacts in these settings will now only be offered
COVID 19 test. Testing will not be needed to end restricted movements after 5 days.
What should I do if I am concerned about my child’s symptoms?
If you think your child has symptoms of COVID 19 you should immediately make sure they
self-isolate. You should phone their GP for advice and guidance, and COVID 19 testing if the
GP thinks it is necessary.
What about if my child has a mild symptom like a runny nose?
If your child has a runny nose, but is otherwise in good health and good form,
then they can go to school. If your child has a runny nose and other symptoms and seems a
little off form, then they should stay home from school or childcare. You should watch their
symptoms and contact their GP for advice if you are worried. Children with chronic symptoms
should not be regularly or routinely excluded from school or social and sporting settings.
Will Public Health teams still provide support and advice to schools?
Public Health teams will continue to provide support to schools should it be clinically required.
Testing will be available for children for public health or clinical reasons, or after a Public
Health Risk Assessment.
Why is this change happening?
We now know that children are more likely than adults, to have no COVID 19 symptoms or to
have mild disease. When we looked at cases identified in school settings we see that child to
child transmission in schools is uncommon. School transmission is not the main cause of SarsCoV (COVID 19) infection in children, particularly in preschool and primary schools. Children
are rarely identified as the route of transmission of infection into the household. Children are
not more likely than adults to spread infection to others.
This change is also happening because there has been a widespread uptake of COVID 19
vaccination in Ireland among those aged 12 years and older. Vaccines have reduced the
spread of COVID 19 and the risk of severe disease and or having to go to hospital.
Another very important reason to make this change is that we know the negative impact
absences from school have on children’s educational, social and emotional well-being. We
believe that this is a positive change for children, while still making sure there is rapid access
to testing for children who clinically need it.
When you should keep your child home from school or childcare
This advice is for babies and children up to the end of secondary school.
Children and babies can get COVID-19. But most children who get COVID-19 have very mild symptoms or no symptoms.
When to get urgent medical helpIf your child becomes unwell quickly, the cause is unlikely to be COVID-19. Their symptoms may be caused by another illness.
If you are in doubt about any symptoms your child has, phone your GP.
When to keep your child at homeKeep your child at home if they:
- have a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or more
- have any common symptoms of COVID-19 - a new cough, loss or changed sense of taste or smell, shortness of breath or an existing breathing condition that has recently become worse
- are told by the HSE that they are a close contact of COVID-19
- live with someone who is unwell and may have COVID-19
- have other less common symptoms of COVID-19, such as sore throat, headaches or vomiting
- have diarrhoea
- returned from another country in the last 14 days with an adult that needs to self-isolate
What to do if your child has symptomsFollow the advice for children with symptoms if your child has:
- common symptoms of COVID-19
- other symptoms, such as sore throat, headaches or vomiting
- diarrhoea
- an existing breathing condition that has recently become worse
What to do if your child does not have symptomsIf your child is fully vaccinated
If your child becomes a close contact of COVID-19 but is fully vaccinated, they do not need to restrict their movements. They do not need to get a COVID-19 test either unless a public health doctor recommends it.
They are fully vaccinated:
- 7 days after the second Pfizer-BioNTech dose
- 14 days after the second Moderna dose
If your child is not fully vaccinatedKeep your child at homeIf your child has been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 or lives with someone who has COVID-19 symptoms, do not send them to school or childcare.
They will need to restrict their movements (stay at home) for 14 days, even if they feel well.
They can stop restricting their movements when both apply:
- They have a negative test (COVID-19 not detected) 10 days after they were last in contact with the person who tested positive.
- They do not have any symptoms of COVID-19.
If your child has symptoms If your child has symptoms of COVID-19 and is a close contact of someone who has tested positive:
- isolate your child from other people immediately
- phone your GP
If your child has no symptomsIf your child is a close contact and has no symptoms of COVID-19 they should:
- restrict their movements for 14 days - this includes not going to school
- get tested for COVID-19 - a contact tracer will arrange this when they call you
- have a negative test (COVID-19 not detected) 10 days after your last contact with the person who tested positive
- do not have any symptoms of COVID-19
Last updated: 17 September 2021 at 5.50pm
If you have any common symptoms of COVID-19 (coronavirus), self-isolate (stay in your room) and get a COVID-19 test. Other people in your household will need to restrict their movements (stay at home).
To get a free COVID-19 test you can:Common symptomsCommon symptoms of COVID-19 include:
If you have symptoms, do not attend a vaccination appointment if you have one scheduled. You can call HSELive on 1800 700 700 to request a new appointment date.
To get a free COVID-19 test you can:Common symptomsCommon symptoms of COVID-19 include:
- a fever (high temperature - 38 degrees Celsius or above)
- a new cough - this can be any kind of cough, not just dry
- shortness of breath or breathing difficulties
- loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you've noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal
If you have symptoms, do not attend a vaccination appointment if you have one scheduled. You can call HSELive on 1800 700 700 to request a new appointment date.
1. COVID-19 Response Plan for the safe and sustainable operation of Primary and Special Schools
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/e1141-covid-19-response-plan-for-the-safe-and-sustainable-operation-of-primary-and-special-schools/
2. Video advice for parents and students at different levels
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/a04fc-advice-for-students-and-their-families/#returning-to-school
3. Posters/graphics advice for parents
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/a04fc-advice-for-students-and-their-families/#returning-to-school
4. Multilingual advice for parents
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/0cf46-resources-and-materials-for-parentsguardians-and-for-students-on-returning-to-school-multi-lingual/
5. Communications to Parents regarding School Transport – SEN and Primary https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/64a88-school-transport/
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/e1141-covid-19-response-plan-for-the-safe-and-sustainable-operation-of-primary-and-special-schools/
2. Video advice for parents and students at different levels
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/a04fc-advice-for-students-and-their-families/#returning-to-school
3. Posters/graphics advice for parents
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/a04fc-advice-for-students-and-their-families/#returning-to-school
4. Multilingual advice for parents
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/0cf46-resources-and-materials-for-parentsguardians-and-for-students-on-returning-to-school-multi-lingual/
5. Communications to Parents regarding School Transport – SEN and Primary https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/64a88-school-transport/
As the senior primary classes return to school, you may find it useful to review the range of materials available for schools to support the communication with parents and students and re-inforce public health messaging. These include video messages from public health doctors on the safety of schools
Video for Third - Sixth class here
Video for Parents - here
Video for Third - Sixth class here
Video for Parents - here
Letter to Parents from Dr Ronan Glynn
26 February 2021
To parents and guardians,
Through your hard work and willingness to buy in to public health guidance over the past two months, we have made real progress in suppressing the most recent wave of COVID-19. This progress has meant that primary and post-primary schools and the wider provision of childcare can now commence on a phased basis.
The importance of schools for the overall health and wellbeing of children cannot be overstated, and the risk of COVID-19 has been carefully weighed against the very real harm that can be caused by sustained school closures. Schools are at the heart of our communities and they play a fundamental role in the social lives and wellbeing of our children; this is particularly true for children who have special educational needs, are disadvantaged or who may have been disproportionately impacted by school closures over the last year.
Our priority is to ensure a safe return to schools for students, their families and school staff, which is why we have recommended a phased return to in-school learning.
In making this recommendation, the NPHET’s most significant concern is that it will be taken as a signal by parents and wider society that other forms of household mixing, and mobility are now acceptable.
We cannot afford for this to happen at this time. Despite the progress we have made, COVID-19 is still circulating at high levels in our communities. We must do all we can individually and collectively to ensure that the reopening of schools results in the minimum possible upward pressure on the reproduction number.
Please avoid congregating at school gates over the coming weeks. Please do not have play dates or organise after school activities which involve household mixing. And please continue to work from home unless essential. It is only through your continued buy-in to these measures that we can ensure that our children will get back to school and then stay back in school.
I know these are difficult requests. We all – adults and children alike – want to meet up with our friends and neighbours and get back to our old routines. And we will get there.
We now have three very effective vaccines with, hopefully, three more on the way. Over the coming weeks, older people, and those at high or very high risk of severe disease will be vaccinated and we will see substantial increases in supply from April onwards. And we are already seeing the very positive impact of vaccines in our nursing homes and among our healthcare workers. If we can combine this rollout with a continued suppression of the disease through March and April, we will have many more options in terms of easing of measures and should be able to provide much greater levels of certainty to people about the months ahead.
Finally, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for all you have done to keep your family and our communities safe over the last year. I also want to thank all teachers, principals and school staff who have worked so hard to ensure measures have been put in place to limit the risk of spread of COVID-19 in schools. It has been this kind of work, done quietly and by the majority, which has underpinned our national response to COVID-19 and which, ultimately, will see us through to brighter days ahead.
Kind regards
Dr. Ronan Glynn,
Deputy Chief Medical Officer,
Department of Health.
To parents and guardians,
Through your hard work and willingness to buy in to public health guidance over the past two months, we have made real progress in suppressing the most recent wave of COVID-19. This progress has meant that primary and post-primary schools and the wider provision of childcare can now commence on a phased basis.
The importance of schools for the overall health and wellbeing of children cannot be overstated, and the risk of COVID-19 has been carefully weighed against the very real harm that can be caused by sustained school closures. Schools are at the heart of our communities and they play a fundamental role in the social lives and wellbeing of our children; this is particularly true for children who have special educational needs, are disadvantaged or who may have been disproportionately impacted by school closures over the last year.
Our priority is to ensure a safe return to schools for students, their families and school staff, which is why we have recommended a phased return to in-school learning.
In making this recommendation, the NPHET’s most significant concern is that it will be taken as a signal by parents and wider society that other forms of household mixing, and mobility are now acceptable.
We cannot afford for this to happen at this time. Despite the progress we have made, COVID-19 is still circulating at high levels in our communities. We must do all we can individually and collectively to ensure that the reopening of schools results in the minimum possible upward pressure on the reproduction number.
Please avoid congregating at school gates over the coming weeks. Please do not have play dates or organise after school activities which involve household mixing. And please continue to work from home unless essential. It is only through your continued buy-in to these measures that we can ensure that our children will get back to school and then stay back in school.
I know these are difficult requests. We all – adults and children alike – want to meet up with our friends and neighbours and get back to our old routines. And we will get there.
We now have three very effective vaccines with, hopefully, three more on the way. Over the coming weeks, older people, and those at high or very high risk of severe disease will be vaccinated and we will see substantial increases in supply from April onwards. And we are already seeing the very positive impact of vaccines in our nursing homes and among our healthcare workers. If we can combine this rollout with a continued suppression of the disease through March and April, we will have many more options in terms of easing of measures and should be able to provide much greater levels of certainty to people about the months ahead.
Finally, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for all you have done to keep your family and our communities safe over the last year. I also want to thank all teachers, principals and school staff who have worked so hard to ensure measures have been put in place to limit the risk of spread of COVID-19 in schools. It has been this kind of work, done quietly and by the majority, which has underpinned our national response to COVID-19 and which, ultimately, will see us through to brighter days ahead.
Kind regards
Dr. Ronan Glynn,
Deputy Chief Medical Officer,
Department of Health.
Letter to Parents From Norma Foley TD, Minister of Education
24 February 2021
Dear Parent/Guardian Yesterday the Government published the plan for the next phases of return to in-school provision for students at both primary and post-primary level. These further phases have been developed following continuous engagement with unions and other education partners and ongoing engagement with the Department of Health and HSE Public Health. The Department of Health and the HSE have reaffirmed that schools in themselves are low risk environments and that a gradual phased reopening can occur at this time. Public health has reviewed the measures put in place to ensure safe operation of schools and is satisfied that these infection prevention and control measures, when rigorously adhered to, will keep the school community safe during this period. There will be a period of time between each phase to assess the impact of reopening on aspects of community transmission. ∙ On Monday 1 March the first four classes at primary level – junior and senior infants, first and second class – and final year Leaving Certificate students will return to in-school provision. This phase will also see a return to full attendance for children in special schools. ∙ Monday 15 March is the target date for the return to in-school provision of the rest of primary school children - third to sixth class students - and fifth year Leaving Certificate students. This date will be reviewed during the period following 1 March. ∙ Monday 12 April, following the Easter break is the target date for the return to in-school education for the rest of post-primary students - first to fourth year students ∙ Remote teaching and learning provision for students in each category will cease once in-person teaching and learning provision commences for each group of students. Safety is paramount in our schools, and all provision within schools will continue according to public health advice developed for educational settings. The Department will continue to fund and support as necessary infection prevention and control measures in schools to ensure the safety of the school community. Public Health in the HSE is fully committed to supporting schools. Schools teams that have been put in place to support schools since October will support schools during the phased return and beyond. We all know of the hugely adverse consequences at individual, family and societal level of not having in-person learning available to students. The safe return and sustained safe re-opening of our schools is a key priority for Government. I acknowledge that a phased re-opening is challenging for many people, with children of different age groups in the same families returning at different times. The purpose of managing this cautious phased return is to continue to limit the mobility of the population and curb the spread of the virus. I ask all parents to please review the symptoms of Covid-19, to ensure that children with symptoms do not attend school and that all children know and understand the procedures in place in school. Please continue to abide by all social distancing guidance and stay home apart from essential journeys. Parents can help schools by being individually responsible and not lingering outside school at drop off and collection times. It is welcome that children will see their friends in school, but please do not organise playdates or home visits. We all understand how essential school reopening is and we need to give it the best possible chance to get all students back as quickly as possible. I would like to thank you, your families and school communities for continued adherence to the guidelines and for helping us all to curb the spread of the virus. I wish all students and staff a safe return to in-person learning over the coming weeks. You may find the below useful: Links to posters and videos here: https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/5572b-back-to school-advice-for-parents-students-and-families/ Yours Sincerely, Norma Foley, TD Minister for Education |
Infection Prevention Control Measures
To prevent Introduction and Spread of COVID-19 in Schools
- Staff and pupils are advised to self-isolate or restrict their movements at home if they display any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 and contact their family doctor to arrange a test
- Staff and pupils are advised not to return to or attend school in the event of the following:
contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19
* If they live with someone who has symptoms of the virus
* If they have traveled outside of Ireland; in such instances staff are advised to consult and follow latest Government advice in relation to foreign travel.
* Staff and pupils are advised to cooperate with any public health officials and the school for contact tracing purposes and follow any public health advice in the event of a case or outbreak in the school
Staff and pupils need to wash their hands or use hand sanitiser when entering and exiting vehicles and when entering and exiting school buildings
NEPS Wellbeing resources to support the wellbeing of school communities as schools reopen are available on gov.ie HERE
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1st February 2021
Schools Remain Shut - In accordance with public health advice, the Government has made a decision on foot of public health advice to extend the level 5 restriction measures and as part of these measures to continue this phase of school closure at present. The Department of Education letter regarding this can be found here |
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Our School's Reopening PlanAugust 2020
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