Partnership Schools Ireland (PSI) aims to ensure better outcomes for children by promoting partnerships between their schools, families and wider communities. It is a joint initiative by National Parents Council Primary and the Irish Primary Principals' Network and is part-funded by the Department of Education.
The PSI programme is based on the work of Dr Joyce Epstein (Center of School, Family & Community Partnerships, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore). Dr Epstein has been conducting research on partnerships between schools, families and communities for 40 years. This research has consistently shown that when strong families, excellent schools and healthy communities overlap and work together they provide the best possible opportunities for children to thrive. Working in this way improves academic, social, and behavioural outcomes for children, as well as boosts confidence for teachers and families alike.
The work of a “Partnership School” is driven by an Action Team for Partnerships (ATP). Each school forms an ATP of approx. 8-16 people. The ATP consists of the Principal, other school staff, students, parents, and members of the wider community, and should be representative of the school community.
Each year, the ATP leads the work on four goals. These are:
- Two academic goals
- One behavioural goal
- One “climate of partnership” goal
These goals and all of the events and activities needed to achieve them are written in a One Year Action Plan for Partnerships.
The ATP receives free training and ongoing support that gives them the skills and guidance needed to work together, set goals and improve outcomes for children. The ATP training consists of 2 x 3 hours sessions and by the end of the second session, the team will have written their One Year Action Plan for Partnerships for the year ahead. Following the training, the ATP will:
- Work together with teachers, support staff, parents, children and community members to support, and add value to, the current work of the school.
- Ensure the board of management, parent association, teachers and parents and students are informed of the ATPs activities.
- Monitor each goal and work together to overcome any barriers in achieving them.
- Invite others to get involved with the goals, events and activities.
- Evaluate how each goal has benefited the children and the school’s partnership progress.
- Celebrate their achievements.
Interested?
You can view and download a Partnership Schools Ireland leaflet here
Here you can read testimonials from school principals highlighting what Partnership Schools Ireland means to them, or you can watch some short videos here https://www.npc.ie/partnership-schools-ireland/what-our-schools-say-about-partnership-schools-ireland
You can find out more about Partnership Schools Ireland by watching this short video.
If you would like to find out more, have any questions, or would like to book training dates for your school, please contact Danielle:
Tel: 01 8874478 Email: psi@npc.ie
