Your child in primary school in Ireland
The Irish Education System
Children attend primary school between the ages of 4 and 12. Primary schools are
also known as national schools. Primary education is also referred to as first level
education. Primary school covers eight years - a two-year infant cycle followed
by six years from first to sixth class. Children move to the next class at the end
of each school year.
Is your child aged 4 – 12?
Do you have questions about your child and school?
If so we can support you!
Who are National Parents Council Primary (NPC)?
National Parents Council Primary (NPC) is the nation-wide organisation representing
parents of children attending early and primary education. NPC is recognised by
the Government and the Education Act 1998 as the body representing you as parents.
Our aim is to improve and enrich the education of all children and support parents
to get involved in their children's learning at home, in the community and at school.
Parent associations are the structure in Irish primary education through which parents
can make a valuable contribution to their children’s education.
NPC Services
NPC services are aimed at empowering parents so that they can support their children
in all aspects of education.
Helpline
The NPC helpline is a national confidential service for parents. The helpline staff
listen, and give information and support to parents to help them make the best possible
decisions for and with their children. In 2007 there were 2,246 calls to the NPC’s
helpline
Training and Development
The NPC Training and Development programme is a national programme of training,
development and support for parents. The purpose is to empower parents to play an
active part in their child’s education at every level. In 2007 over 4,000 parents
participated in NPC training. Training programmes were delivered in twenty-eight
different centres covering all counties.
Website
The NPC’s website www.npc.ie aims to provide
parents with information regarding primary education. The site also allows parents
an opportunity to give NPC their views regarding primary education issues.
As well as the three service areas above the NPC are active in
1. Advocating and representing parents. NPC consult with parents and bring parents
views to bear on education policy.
2. Facilitating and supporting the development of Parents Associations. NPC facilitates
and supports parents to develop associations in their schools and supports the organisation
of county level and local area level support networks for parents.
Contact us
If your questions aren’t answered here, please email us your question in your own
language and we will try to find the answer for you. Please note you will not receive
an immediate reply as we must get your question and answer translated.
Email us at
info@npc.ie please specify the
language you are using.