Partnership Schools Ireland (PSI)
Working together – parents, teachers, pupils & community – for better educational outcomes.
What is PSI?
Partnership Schools Ireland is a joint initiative of #NPC and the Irish Primary Principals’ Network (IPPN), backed by the Department of Education. Based on Dr Joyce Epstein’s internationally‑recognised framework, the programme helps schools set up an Action Team for Partnerships (ATP) so families, staff, pupils and local organisations can plan purposeful activities that boost learning, attendance and wellbeing.
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The principal submits a simple online form to register interest. Within two weeks, they assemble a mixed Action Team for Partnerships (ATP) – typically the principal, a teacher, two parents, and, where possible, pupil and community reps – ensuring a broad range of voices from the very start.
ATP members attend two interactive workshops (live‑online or in‑person). Session 1 explores Epstein’s research and proven family‑engagement strategies; Session 2 guides the team through goal‑setting, project‑planning templates, and measurement tools. By the end, each participant leaves with practical resources and a shared vision.
Back in school, the ATP uses NPC’s editable planners to map out 2–3 SMART targets – e.g., “Increase homework completion by 10 % through a Learning‑at‑Home maths game night.” Activities are chosen so that at least three of Epstein’s Six Pillars are represented, ensuring a balanced, whole‑school approach.
Throughout the year, an assigned NPC mentor checks in each term via Zoom or phone. They troubleshoot challenges, share examples from other schools, and provide ready‑made flyers, consent forms, and evaluation surveys – saving the team precious time.
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Schools showcase their successes at the PSI annual celebration (online showcase or regional event). Case studies are added to the PSI idea bank, so every school benefits from each other’s creativity and lessons learned – sparking the next cycle of improvement.
How the Programme Works
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Joyce Epstein’s
Pillars
Joyce Epstein’s Six Pillars of Partnership
Drawing on decades of international research, Dr Joyce L. Epstein contends that pupils thrive when the adults in their lives share responsibility for learning across six overlapping “pillars” of involvement.
Parenting focuses on equipping families with the routines, knowledge and confidence to support healthy development at home;
Communication promotes clear, two‑way information flows so parents and staff are partners rather than passive recipients;
Volunteering taps the time, talents and interests of parents and local groups to enrich school life;
Learning at Home offers practical, curriculum‑linked activities—such as maths trails or shared reading—that turn everyday moments into teachable ones;
Decision‑Making invites families onto committees and consultation groups so school policies, plans and evaluations reflect a true diversity of voices;
Community Collaboration forges mutually beneficial links with sports clubs, charities and businesses that extend learning well beyond the gate.
PSI asks each Action Team for Partnerships to weave together actions from at least half of these pillars, ensuring a balanced, whole‑school approach that strengthens relationships, boosts attendance and raises achievement.
Pupils
Better attendance, higher motivation, richer learning experiences and a stronger sense of belonging when they see the important adults in their lives pulling together.
Parents & Guardians
Clearer two‑way communication, a genuine voice in school decision‑making, and practical ideas for supporting learning at home.
Teachers & Principals
A wider pool of ideas and helpers, shared workload on projects, and tangible progress on Whole‑School Evaluation and SIP targets.
Community Partners
Local sports clubs, libraries and businesses connect with the
school, building civic pride while offering real‑world learning
contexts and resources.
Why Join? – Benefits for Everyone
Every stakeholder in the school community wins when partnership work is embedded in day‑to‑day practice. International studies—and now our own Irish evidence—show measurable gains in attendance, behaviour, attainment and wellbeing when families, staff, pupils and community organisations co‑design activities and share responsibility for results. By signing up to PSI your school gains a structured, research‑backed process that turns goodwill into clear plans and concrete impact.
Two free online workshops for the Action Team.
Digital handbook, planning templates & project idea bank
Dedicated NPC mentor for your first year.
Access to a national PSI forum, termly webinars & annual celebration event.
Optional on‑site facilitation where needed.
There is NO PROGRAMME FEE – schools simply commit time and enthusiasm.
Action Team for Partnerships Checklist
step‑by‑step guide to forming and launching your ATP.
Jumping Hurdles
Problem‑Solving Tool
quick worksheet for identifying obstacles and brainstorming fixes.
Starting Points Exercise
group activity for choosing which of Epstein’s Six Pillars to prioritise first.
Resource Hub – Tools for Your Action Team
Annual Evaluation of Activities
simple survey and scoring sheet to gauge the impact of each project.
One‑Year Action Plan Template
a blank, Epstein‑aligned planner for mapping out goals, activities and timelines.
Six Types of Parental Involvement Overview
visual one‑pager explaining the pillars with Irish school examples.
Annual Review of Team Processes
reflective questions that help the ATP fine‑tune how it works together.
SMART Goals Cheat‑Sheet
handy reminder of how to write Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time‑bound targets.
Partnership Schools Ireland
Information Leaflet
Training & Ongoing Supports
How long does the ATP run?
Schools commit to one academic year at a time; many continue annually as the benefits grow.
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Can special schools or DEIS schools join?
Absolutely – PSI works in every setting and is already running in mainstream, DEIS and special schools nationwide.
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Is there paperwork?
Just a short Partnership Plan and an end‑of‑year reflection; NPC provides simple templates.
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Do we need extra funding?
Most projects use existing school or community resources. Small grants/sponsorship can be sourced locally if required.
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What if our Parent Association is small?
PSI helps widen the net – even one or two enthusiastic parents can join the ATP, and volunteering projects attract others.
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Want To Know More ?
PSI FAQs
PSI FAQs
Ready to Get Involved?
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Fill out our short Expression of Interest form and an NPC mentor will contact you.
Have a quick question first?
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📧 Email: psi@npc.ie.
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📱 Phone: 01 887 4478 (Mon-Fri, 10 am–4 pm)
We’re here to support you every step of the way.