Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 September 2025
487. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth the supports that will be provided to rural and smaller schools to implement the revised primary school curriculum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51775/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraTeachers and school leaders will receive support through:
• Teacher professional learning through Oide, National Council for Special Education (NCSE) and PPLI/Languages Connect
• whole-school closure days
• in-school support
• online resources to include National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) toolkits
Professional Learning
Teacher professional learning will be facilitated by Oide for all primary schools and by NCSE for all special schools. Small schools will be clustered together for the professional learning where teachers collaborate off-site or participate in online communities led by Oide professional learning leaders. These initiatives aim to enhance school sustainability and provide focused training through shared expertise and resources.
The professional learning will support:
• Teachers and school leaders to develop their understanding of the over-arching messages from the Primary Curriculum Framework.
• Teachers and school leaders to develop their understanding and enactment of the new curriculum specifications.
• School leaders and teachers to lead curriculum change in their own school contexts.
PPLI/Languages Connect will support the introduction of Modern Foreign Languages.
Whole-School Closure Days
In the 2025/2026 school year Oide will facilitate 2 whole-school closure days to introduce the foundational aspects of the curriculum specifications through the Primary Curriculum Framework for all primary schools. The NCSE will facilitate 2 whole-school closure days for all special schools.
Online Resources
The curriculum will be also supported through development of online curriculum toolkits by the NCCA which will provide guidance to teachers and support progression in learning as children move across the various stages.
The toolkits will contain:
• Guidance related to important aspects of primary education such as assessment, and school / classroom planning.
• Examples of children’s learning across the curriculum areas and subjects.
• Support materials for teachers providing examples of effective pedagogical approaches, foster rich learning experiences and encourage connections with the home and community.
While initial material is currently available, the online toolkits will continue to be developed in the years ahead.
The areas of History and wellbeing are being prioritised, with resources to coincide with the launch of the curriculum specifications.
Funding
Significant investment of over €9 million was made available to primary and special schools at the end of 2024. This was to ensure that schools have essential resources and materials to deliver a curriculum that meets the needs of all learners. The first of the grants were specifically aimed at supporting the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education and Arts education.
There will be multi-annual funding to support all areas of the curriculum, with future allocations depending on budgetary considerations and emerging needs as we roll out the curriculum nationwide.
This investment demonstrates the Department’s ongoing commitment to enhancing primary education and supporting all primary and special schools in providing a robust, well-rounded age-appropriate curriculum.
