Question 1

At what age should my child start school?

Accepted Answer

In order to start school your child must be at least 4 years of age. Once your child reaches the age of 6 it is compulsory that they attend school.There is, however, also the option to home school your child, please click this link for further information.

Question 2

What is the School Year for Primary pupils?

Accepted Answer

The school year runs from the beginning of September to the end of June, with breaks of approximately 2 weeks for both Christmas and Easter and shorter breaks in between. While there are certain dates where all schools must close this can vary and each school should issue you with a list of opening times, holidays, half days, staff meetings, half term breaks etc, at the beginning of the school year.Primary schools and special schools must be open for tuition for all pupils for a minimum of 182 school days. The practice of sending children in junior infants home early from school at the commencement of the school year for a period in excess of two weeks is not permitted.

Question 3

How Long is the School Day?

Accepted Answer

Classes usually start between 9am and 9.30am. A school day lasts 5 hours and 40 minutes. Schools open from Monday to Friday. This includes assembly time, roll call and breaks.There is normally a morning break around 11 am and a lunch break around 12.30pm. It is important to give your child healthy food and drink for these two breaks. Schools encourage healthy eating and many schools ask parents not to give sweets, chocolate, crisps or fizzy drinks for lunch.The school day typically breaks down as set out in the following model.

Question 4

Special Provisions are there for Infants and First Class?

Accepted Answer

Schools are permitted to reduce the school day by one hour for children in infant classes. The decision to apply this concession rests with the school's Board of Management. The special provisions for infant or first class children do not exempt any teacher from attendance for the full period.

Question 5

Does my child have to wear a uniform?

Accepted Answer

Many schools require their pupils to wear a uniform as part of their school code or admissions policy. If you do not want your child to wear a uniform for religious or other reasons you should speak to the Principal before the child starts school. Your child may also need special clothing for Physical Education or sports. If you require financial support with the cost of uniforms and shoes for your child you may be entitled to apply for the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance.Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance

Question 6

Are school books really free?

Accepted Answer

All students in Ireland attending primary and post primary school are entitled to school books that are provided free of charge. The books are covered by the government scheme(2023).

Question 7

How can I find out more about what my child is learning in school?

Accepted Answer

The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) have lots of information about the various subjects at all levels. Click here to get detailed information on their website about each of the subject areas.

Question 8

What is the Curriculum in Irish Primary Schools?

Accepted Answer

The curriculum refers to the programme of study your child will follow through their primary school years. It is presented in seven areas, some of which are further subdivided into subjects.Click here for information on all of the curricular areas.

Question 9

When are standardised tests done?

Accepted Answer

Typically, standardised tests are conducted in May, for 2nd, 4th and 6th class students in English and Maths.

Question 10

What homework will my child get in primary school?

Accepted Answer

Schools set their own policy in relation to homework. For example, in some schools children from first to sixth class are given homework each week night. Other schools give a small amount of reading or maths to infant classes. If your child does get homework, you should give them space and encouragement to do it. If they need it, offer your help. Take time to talk with your child about what they do in school each day. Set aside a quiet time where your child is sitting comfortably at a table and will not be distracted by television or other noise. Homework time should include time for oral as well as written work. Oral work - speaking and repeating what they have learned - is particularly helpful in the early years. Encourage your child to keep their text books and exercise books clean and tidy. If your child is working on their own, be available to help and show an interest in what they're doing. Praise your child's efforts whenever you can. Try to be patient with your child. If your child is having ongoing problems with homework discuss this with the teacher. If your child can't do their homework for any reason, let the teacher know. Write a short note explaining why or arrange a meeting with the teacher. Click here to download the NPC Homework leaflet.

Question 11

What should I do if my child gets too much homework?

Accepted Answer

The amount of homework and the time to be allocated to it are key features of the school's homework policy. Parents need to be fully familiar with this policy, so as to manage the time allocated at home by the child. It is important that the target time for homework for their child's class is known to parents. They can then intervene if the child takes a significantly longer time to complete the tasks set, and can alert the teacher to the difficulties being encountered.Click here to download the NPC Homework leaflet.

Question 12

How often do Parent‑Teacher meetings happen?

Accepted Answer

Usually once a year in November however it could be in January. You can ask for a meeting with your childs teacher at any time if you wish to discuss a matter.

Question 13

Can I see my child’s records?

Accepted Answer

Under Article 15 of the GDPR, an individual has a right to obtain a copy, of any information relating to them kept on computer or in a structured manual filing system, or intended for such a system by any organisation.All the individual needs to do is write to the organisation and request, under Article 15 of the GDPR, a copy of the personal data it holds in relation to them.

Question 14

Can my child repeat a class?

Accepted Answer

Children should only be allowed to repeat a year for educational reasons and in exceptional circumstances. This is decided by the school principal, class teacher and learning support teacher examining if the child would benefit educationally. A maximum of one year is only permitted

Question 15

What supports exist for additional needs?

Accepted Answer

Its best to have a conversation with your childs teacher first if you have any concerns around your childs additional needs. You can also contact the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) for support.Homescreen - NCSE

Question 16

What should I do if my child is being bullied in school?

Accepted Answer

The first thing you should do is speak to your child's teacher. Quite often a teacher can deal with this in the classroom and the problem can be resolved there and then. If the problem persists you should ask for a copy of the school's anti-bullying policy and check if it is being followed. If it is not being followed you should follow the procedure as outlined above in Q6. As a family you can support your child by listening to them and letting them know that you are on their side. You should reassure them that they haven't done anything wrong and that you will do all you can to make the bullying stop. You should also do all you can to build up their self esteem whether that's by encouraging activities they are involved in, or introducing them to other groups of children etc. Click here for the NPC leaflet on Bullying, click here to go to the Department of Education and Skills Anti Bullying Procedures for primary and post primary schoolsMore detailed information about any concerns you might have about bullying or child protection can be found at this link click hereSince September 2025 there are new anti bullying procedures that schools need to follow. Information on these procedures is outlined in the link below. These procedures are known as Bi Cinealta.Bí Cineálta Procedures to Prevent and Address Bullying Behaviour for Primary and Post-Primary Schools

Question 17

Is Religious Instruction compulsory?

Accepted Answer

No. Parents can either choose to withdraw their child for this period or the school must try to arrange supervision or an alternative activity.

Question 18

Are mobile phones allowed?

Accepted Answer

It is up to each school to decide their mobile phone/acceptable use policy

Question 19

Can we take term‑time holidays?

Accepted Answer

You can – but it’s logged as an “unexplained” absence.

Question 20

How many days must my child attend?

Accepted Answer

Children in primary must attend 182 days. Schools must keep a register of the students attending the school. They must also maintain attendance records for all students and inform the Child and Family Agency's educational welfare services if a child is absent for more than 20 days in a school year.

Question 21

What’s a “Section 29” appeal?

Accepted Answer

A Section 29 appeal allows parents/guardians to challenge a school’s decision on enrolment, suspension, or expulsion under the Education Act 1998 in Ireland.

Question 22

How do I join the Parent Association?

Accepted Answer

If your school has an existing Parent Association, you can speak to someone on the Parent Association. Typically, you can put yourself forward to join the Parent Association at their Annual General Meeting.

Question 23

What is the board of management?

Accepted Answer

The board of management manages the school on behalf of the patron and for the benefit of students. Its job is to make sure that the school is run efficiently and provides all students with a good education.The board of management includes representatives of parents, teachers, trustees (owners) or patron, the Principal and the community. You can read more about the board of management via this link The Governance Manual for Primary Schools 2023 – 2027.

Question 24

What’s the current pupil‑teacher ratio?

Accepted Answer

The primary staffing schedule operates on a general average of 23 pupils to every 1 teacher

Question 25

Who inspects primary schools?

Accepted Answer

The Department of Education and Youths Inspectorate. Whole School Evaluations (WSE) are carried out in both primary and post-primary schools. A WSE assesses the quality of school management, teaching and learning at a school and assesses the school’s planning and self-review. The inspectorate may hold pre-evaluation meetings with staff and management, meet with the parents’ association and make school and classroom visits.The inspectorate prepares a draft report and holds meetings with staff and management before finalising and issuing the Whole School Evaluation.Inspectorate - Department of Education and Youth

Question 26

Who calls snow days?

Accepted Answer

The principal and Board decide, guided by Department and Met Éireann safety advice.

Question 27

Is there after‑school care?

Accepted Answer

Some schools have after-school clubs on-site however they are private and not affiliated with the school

Frequently Asked Questions

Early Years FAQ's