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278 Schools Asked to Consider Multi-Denominational Status

278 religious-run schools urged to consider becoming multi-denominational by 2027

Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI) has identified 278 religious-run primary schools that it believes should consider becoming multi-denominational schools by September 2027. The majority of these schools, 217, are under Catholic patronage, while 61 are mainly under Church of Ireland patronage.

Almost 300 primary schools should consider switching to multi-denominational

Almost 300 Irish primary schools are being encouraged to consider becoming multi-denominational after surveys showed most parents in those communities support that model. Schools have until 31 October to decide whether to join the first phase of exploring the change. Currently, about 88% of primary schools are Catholic-run, while multi-denominational schools make up just over 5% of the sector.

Budget 2027: Childcare costs and €200 monthly cap on the agenda

The Government is considering introducing a €200 monthly cap on childcare fees per child as part of Budget 2027, in line with its commitment to make childcare more affordable.

Key points:

Childcare affordability is expected to be a major Budget 2027 priority.
Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers said the Government should have the financial capacity in 2027 to introduce noticeable supports for families.
Many parents currently pay more than €800 per month for childcare, with some Dublin families reporting fees of up to €1,400 per month for a crèche place.
A separate childcare fee cap of €734 per month is already due to take effect from September 2026.
Children's Minister Norma Foley acknowledged concerns about high childcare costs but noted that the National Childcare Subsidy Scheme should significantly reduce what families pay.
Bottom Line

The proposed €200 monthly childcare cap could dramatically lower childcare costs for families and is emerging as one of the Government's most significant cost-of-living measures under consideration for Budget 2027.

Loans being taken out to cover back to school costs, survey finds

A Barnardos survey of 704 parents found that back-to-school costs are causing significant financial pressure for families. More than half of parents are worried about meeting these costs, and 18% are very concerned.

School uniforms remain a major expense, with 70% of parents reporting concern about uniform costs.

Among secondary school families, 57% had to purchase digital devices, with an average cost of €447. Some parents reported being asked to pay as much as €850 for compulsory tablets.

Parents criticized schools for being out of touch with the cost-of-living crisis and said many families struggle despite being in paid employment.

Concerns were also raised about the Back to School Allowance, with some parents saying that households just above the eligibility threshold receive no support despite facing similar financial difficulties.

The survey found that 15% of secondary school parents and 9% of primary school parents had taken out loans or borrowed money from friends and family to cover school-related costs.

Barnardos called on the government to continue efforts to make education genuinely free, highlighting high costs for digital devices and branded school uniforms.

Labour education spokesperson Eoghan Kenny said the findings show that many families face serious financial anxiety before the school year begins and warned that lack of access to technology is creating an educational divide based on income.

The article notes that while the Free Books Scheme has helped, families still face costs for laptops, transport, exam fees and voluntary contributions. Labour has proposed measures to reduce education costs, with further Dáil debate expected in September.

Overall: The article argues that despite advances such as free school books, back-to-school expenses, particularly uniforms and digital devices, continue to place a heavy burden on many families, forcing some to borrow money to cover costs

The review could lead to significant changes in Irish primary schools, particularly around infant class finishing times, lunch breaks, and play/rest periods, with the aim of improving children's wellbeing and making school schedules more practical for families.

Review of primary school hours underway

The Department of Education is reviewing primary school hours, a move that could lead to changes in how long children spend in school and how the day is structured. The review will examine the shorter school day for junior and senior infants, which currently ends an hour earlier than for older pupils, creating challenges for many families with children in different age groups.

Back-to-school costs are placing significant pressure on Irish families, with over 70% of parents concerned about the cost of school uniforms and many also struggling with the expense of required digital devices.

Over 70% of parents worried about school uniform costs as back-to-school bills mount

A Barnardos survey found that over 70% of parents are worried about the cost of school uniforms this year, making them one of the biggest back-to-school expenses. Digital devices are also a major concern, with secondary school parents paying an average of €447 for required devices.

Parents criticised expensive branded uniforms and compulsory tablets, while Barnardos and Sinn Féin called for more affordable uniform options, a review of mandatory digital devices, and further government action to reduce education costs.

When can our children get the chance to practise responsibility?

This opinion article argues that children and teenagers develop responsibility through experience, not through being told to be responsible. Psychotherapist Colman Noctor suggests that modern parenting, while well-intentioned, often removes opportunities for young people to learn independence and accountability.

Key points

Noctor believes responsibility is learned through practice, much like wisdom, rather than through instruction alone. Children become responsible by managing tasks, solving problems, making mistakes, and dealing with consequences.

He contrasts today's childhood with previous generations, where children often:

Walked to school alone
Looked after younger siblings
Had part-time jobs
Solved everyday problems without adult involvement

These experiences helped prepare them for adulthood.

How modern parenting may limit responsibility

The article argues that many parents now:

Pack school bags
Remind children about homework
Manage schedules
Solve problems before children encounter them
Speak to teachers, employers, or universities on behalf of their children

While done out of care and efficiency, these actions can reduce opportunities for children to develop confidence and independence.

Parents count cost of back to school

This Irish Examiner article is about the continued financial pressure on Irish families when children return to school, despite the success of the government's free schoolbooks scheme.

Main points

The article explains that while free schoolbooks have reduced one major expense for parents, many other costs remain significant, including:

Digital devices such as iPads, Chromebooks, and laptops
School uniforms, especially branded items
Transition Year expenses
Mock exam fees
Voluntary school contributions

According to the Irish League of Credit Unions, parents still expect to spend an average of:

€1,607 per year for a primary school child
€2,142 per year for a secondary school student

The Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) says requests for help with education-related costs continue to come from families across all communities, showing that the issue is widespread and not limited to disadvantaged areas.

Banning teens from using social media a ‘blunt instrument’, health professionals told

The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland’s faculty of paediatrics recently launched a position paper on online wellbeing, focusing on the impact of social media on children and young people. Key figures such as Dr. Judith Meehan, Jillian van Turnhout, and Erin Wolfe were present at the launch. The paper highlights several negative impacts of social media, including anxiety, depression, self-harm, and cyberbullying.

The paper calls for government regulations to hold social media platforms accountable and enforce age verification measures. It also emphasizes the need for public awareness and parental support to mitigate the negative impacts of social media. Additionally, the paper advocates for more resources for health professionals dealing with the consequences of social media use.

A significant part of the discussion revolves around the debate on banning social media for teenagers. Tánaiste Simon Harris suggested considering a ban on social media for those under 16, similar to Australia’s legislative change. However, Dr. Meehan and others argue that a ban is a blunt instrument and advocate for more nuanced approaches.

The paper references the US ABCD Study, which found associations between screen time and worsening mental health, increased behavioral problems, and decreased academic performance. It also notes that social media use is more consistently linked with anxiety and depression in girls compared to boys.

Dr. Meehan emphasizes the collective responsibility of young people, parents, social media companies, government, policy, and healthcare providers in addressing the issue. The paper calls for a collaborative effort to create a safer online environment for children and young people.

Five children with autism have taken High Court actions against the Irish Minister for Education for failing to provide appropriate schooling. The cases highlight the urgent need for suitable educational provisions. The children, aged 5 to 12, face various challenges, including lack of school placements and delayed support services. Parents express significant stress and anxiety due to these shortcomings. The court has granted permission for judicial review proceedings, with further hearings scheduled later this month. These cases underscore the broader systemic issues in providing education for children with autism in Ireland.

Five children with autism take legal actions over access to education

Five children with autism have initiated separate High Court actions against the Minister for Education in Ireland, highlighting the urgent need for appropriate educational provisions. These cases underscore the significant challenges faced by children with autism and their families in accessing suitable education and support.

Legal Actions and Urgency: The High Court has granted permission for judicial review proceedings in these cases, recognizing their urgency. The children, ranging in age from five to twelve, have unique needs that have not been adequately met by the current educational system. The legal actions aim to compel the Minister for Education to provide appropriate schooling and support for these children.

Individual Cases:

Eight-Year-Old Boy: This child has never attended school due to the lack of an appropriate educational placement. His case highlights the systemic failure to provide suitable schooling options for children with autism.
Twelve-Year-Old Boy: Profoundly disabled, this boy's current school placement is deemed unsuitable. His father has expressed frustration over delays in reassessment and placement, which have exacerbated the child's educational and developmental challenges.
Five-Year-Old Girl: Non-verbal and with complex needs, this girl has been unable to secure a primary school placement. Her mother has described the extreme stress and anxiety caused by the ongoing struggle to find appropriate schooling.
Five-Year-Old Boy: Also non-verbal, this boy is currently in preschool but requires a special school placement to meet his educational needs. His case underscores the gap in provisions for young children with autism transitioning from preschool to primary education.
Six-Year-Old Boy: This child has been approved for school transport, but the service has been delayed since January. The lack of timely transport has significantly impacted his ability to attend school regularly.
Parental Statements: The parents of these children have voiced their significant stress and anxiety due to the inability to secure appropriate educational placements and support. They have highlighted the emotional and practical toll that the current system's shortcomings have taken on their families. The legal actions reflect their desperation and determination to secure a better future for their children.

Next Steps: The High Court cases will return later in the month, where further proceedings will determine the outcomes for these children. The cases are expected to bring attention to the broader issues within the educational system regarding the provision for children with autism.

Broader Implications: These legal actions are not just about the individual children involved but also about the systemic issues that affect many families across Ireland. The outcomes of these cases could set important precedents for how the educational needs of children with autism are addressed in the future. They highlight the need for a more inclusive and responsive educational system that can cater to the diverse needs of all children.

In summary, these High Court actions underscore the urgent need for systemic changes in the educational provisions for children with autism in Ireland. The cases highlight the significant challenges faced by these children and their families and the pressing need for appropriate support and resources to ensure that all children have access to suitable education.

Grab a free ‘My Little Library’ bag for junior infants in your local library this summer—lifetime membership! #NPC #MyLittleLibrary #First5

My Little Library 2025 Is Here!

📚 My Little Library 2025 Is Here!
Do you have a child starting primary school this September?
They’re entitled to a FREE My Little Library book bag – available now at your local library!
✨ Each bag includes:
📖 Beautiful books in English or as Gaeilge
👪 Resources to help with the transition from pre-school to primary
📘 A guide for parents, supports from Dyslexia Ireland & Vision Ireland
🎟️ A chance to become a library member — for life!
Since its launch, over 20,000 children each year have joined their local library thanks to this wonderful initiative. Make sure your child doesn’t miss out!
📅 Available now and all summer long at libraries nationwide.
📍 Just ask at your local library or visit:
🔗 www.first5.gov.ie
🔗 https://www.gov.ie/.../3f341-towards-a-new-literacy...
#MyLittleLibrary #First5 #PrimarySchoolReady #FreeBooks #FamilyReading #NPC

Upcomming Training

Anti-Bullying for Primary

Focused on primary school children, this session provides parents with the tools to identify bullying, understand their child’s rights, and work with the school to address issues. It also introduces the Anti-Bullying Procedures for Primary Schools and promotes early intervention and resilience building.

RSE 2 : Supporting your PostPrimary Child to Build Healthy Friendships and Relationships Session 2

A programme delivered by National Parents Council and funded by the Sexual Health Crisis Pregnancy Programme.

Following on from Part 1 of our RSE three part programme where we looked at how we can support children to make and sustain healthy relationships and friendships, now in part 2 we look at active listening skills and how we use those skills to build our relationships and support conversations with our children.

This session is ideally suited to parents who have completed part 1 but will also provide useful information and advice as a stand alone session.

Register now to find out how developing communication skills will help build your relationship and support conversations with your child.

We are running these sessions virtually via Zoom, Monday, Thurs and Friday, the week starting the 18th May 2026.

Welcome to

Welcome to the Early Years section of the National Parents Council (NPC) website. Here, we support parents and guardians of young children, from birth to six years old, with a range of resources, advice, and information. Discover insights on developmental milestones, parenting tips, early learning activities, and childcare options. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and tools to give your child the best start in life. Explore our Early Years section to nurture your child's growth and development.

Helpline

Guidance and resources to help you support your child’s early learning and development at home.

Parent Support

Speak with our trained advisors for expert advice on parenting and early education challenges.

Workshops & Training

Interactive sessions to equip parents with practical strategies for supporting young children's learning and well-being.

young Black child standing and smiling,.png

The primary school years are a crucial time for your child’s growth, learning, and development. As a parent, your role in supporting their education and well-being is more important than ever. This section provides guidance, resources, and practical support to help you navigate your child’s school journey.

From understanding the curriculum to building positive study habits and supporting emotional well-being, we’re here to help. Explore our parent support services, confidential helpline, and engaging workshops and training designed to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to support your child’s learning and development.

Helpline

“The NPC workshops on play-based learning gave us amazing ideas to help our child learn at home. Highly recommend them to all parents!”

Parent Support

“The NPC workshops on play-based learning gave us amazing ideas to help our child learn at home. Highly recommend them to all parents!”

parent and teenage son sitting together on a park bench.png

Workshops & Training

“The NPC workshops on play-based learning gave us amazing ideas to help our child learn at home. Highly recommend them to all parents!”

The post-primary years are a time of major transition, growth, and new challenges for both students and parents. As your child navigates secondary school, exams, friendships, and future career choices, your support and guidance remain essential.

This section provides practical resources to help you support your teenager’s education, emotional well-being, and future planning. Whether it’s understanding the curriculum, preparing for exams, or managing the transition to further education or employment, we’re here to help. Explore our parent support services, confidential helpline, and expert-led workshops and training designed to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to guide your teen through these important years.

Workshops & Training

Interactive sessions to equip parents with practical strategies for supporting young children's learning and well-being.

Parent Support

Speak with our trained advisors for expert advice on parenting and early education challenges.

Helpline

Guidance and resources to help you support your child’s early learning and development at home.

Fáilte – Welcome to the National Parents Council (NPC)

The National Parents Council (#NPC) is the independent, parent‑run organisation that champions the rights, voices and hopes of families in every corner of Ireland. Since 1985 we’ve worked hand‑in‑hand with parents, schools and policymakers to build an education system where every child – from playgroup tot Junior Infants, all the way to Leaving Cert – feels valued, included and supported. We run a confidential helpline staffed by experienced advisers, deliver free workshops on everything from internet safety to exam stress, and train Parent Associations so they can drive positive change in their own schools. Our research and advocacy have helped shape national policies on class size, special‑needs supports, anti‑bullying measures and free schoolbooks. Whether you need quick advice, practical resources or a platform to make your voice heard, #NPC is here to back you all the way.

Your independent, parent‑led voice in Irish education

Here at #NPC we stand shoulder‑to‑shoulder with mums, dads, guardians – anyone raising a child – to make sure every young person gets the best start in life.

Free, confidential helpline and expert advice
Practical training and workshops from Early Years right up to Leaving Cert
Strong national advocacy that keeps the parent voice at the heart of education policy
Resources and tips to help you support learning, wellbeing and school engagement

Looking for guidance, community or a chance to shape change? You’re in the right place.