FAQs

  • Frequently Asked Questions on Parental Leave
    What is parental leave? Parental leave is a period of unpaid leave available to teachers for the purpose of the care of children. It is provided for under the Parental Leave Acts 1998 and 2006, and the European Union (Parental Leave) Regulations... Read more
  • Frequently Asked Questions on Paternity Leave
    What is paternity leave? With effect from September 1, 2016, registered teachers are entitled to a single period of two consecutive weeks' paid paternity leave. The leave is to allow the relevant parent to provide or assist in the care of the... Read more
  • Frequently Asked Questions on Mandatory Reporting
    What are my responsibilities as a mandated person? The Children First Act 2015 has placed a statutory obligation on specific people to report child protection concerns that are at or above a threshold of harm (as defined in that Act) to... Read more
  • Frequently Asked Questions on Critical Illness
    What is critical illness? If you become incapacitated as a result of a critical illness or serious physical injury you may be granted extended paid sick leave, known as critical illness protocol (CIP), subject to specific criteria. CIP entitles the... Read more
  • Frequently Asked Questions on Salary Scales
    Which pay scale am I on? The pay scale you are on is determined by both the date you were first paid by the Department of Education and Skills (DES) and by the date of your first qualified service in... Read more
  • Frequently Asked Questions on Safety, Health and Welfare in Schools
    What are the employer’s duties with regard to staff welfare? According to section 8.1 of the 2005 Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, employers have a legal duty to their staff to “ensure, so far as it is reasonably practicable, the... Read more
  • Leaving Certificate and Junior Certificate 2021
    Leaving Certificate and Junior Certificate 2021 Updated May 18th 2021 FAQs: (Q) Has the SEC published the payment arrangements for school appointed personnel for running the Leaving Certificate Examinations and SEC Accredited Grades?  (Q) Have the State Examination Commission published a Guide... Read more
  • Reopening of Schools 2021/22
    Updated 24th February 2022   Reopening of Schools - January 2022 (Q) Has the Department of Education released an Information Note to schools to set out operational supports available to schools upon their reopening? (Q) Has the Acting HSE National Clinical Director of... Read more
  • FAQs on welcoming Ukrainian students
    FAQs on welcoming Ukrainian students I want to get information on how best to respond to Ukrainian students coming to my school. Where do I start? In response to the invasion of Ukraine by Russia in March 2022, and the activation... Read more