Leading Continuity of Learning

The current situation in relation to the COVID 19 virus is a particular challenge for school leaders. Although school contexts are different there are some key themes for school leaders during this time which are brought into focus in the categories below.

• The PDST Leadership Team has compiled a suite of information and supports that may be useful to school leaders during the current period. These pages can be used to help support and develop the thinking of school leaders at this time and will continue to be developed over the coming period.

• The PDST Leadership Team advocates a whole school approach to dealing with the current challenges. In particular, in supporting Continuity of Learning, school leaders will need regular engagement with their management team and their staff to be able to support pupils effectively. 

The PDST Leadership Team continues to provide support and guidance to school leaders through this period.

IMPORTANT UPDATES

• 18 June 2020:Continuity of Schooling: Answers to Queries and Questions received from School

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• 12 June 2020: School reopening and summer provision - Letter to schools

• 12 June 2020:Planning for reopening schools in line with the Roadmap for reopening society and business

• 12 June 2020:Summer Provision 2020

• 10 June 2020: Guidance to Primary Schools: Sixth Class Transitions during COVID-19 School Closures

• May 2020: Guidance for parents/guardians of primary school pupils

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• Continuity of Schooling: Guidance for parents/guardians of primary school pupils - Summary
• Continuity of Schooling: Guidance for parents/guardians of primary school pupils (pdf format)
• Continuity of Schooling: Guidance for parents/guardians of primary school pupils (text version of the summary)

• Copies of the guidance for parents/guardians are available in other languages here

• 19 May 2020: Supporting schools in providing end-of-year written reports to parents of children in primary school

• 15 May 2020: Guidance for access to schools from 18 May 2020

• 27 April 2020:Cancellation of Standardised Testing in Primary Schools 2019/2020

• 22 April 2020: Guidance on Continuity of Schooling: Supporting students at risk of educational disadvantage for primary schools

• 22 April 2020: Guidance on Continuity of Schooling: Supporting Pupils with Special Educational Needs for primary and special schools

• 02 April 2020: Guidance on Continuity of Schooling for Primary and Post-primary Schools

• 01 April 2020: Schools administration during the current public health emergency

• 25 March 2020: Letter to principals and teachers regarding social distancing

• 16 March 2020: Advisory to the Sector regarding student and staff mobility under Erasmus

• 13 March 2020: Letter to principals and teachers regarding continuity of teaching and learning

All Covid-19 Related Updates are available at www.education.ie/covid19

CIRCULARS

• Circular 24/2020: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Delay Phase Arrangements for Teachers and Special Needs Assistants employed in recognised primary and post primary schools. 

• Circular 27/2020: Temporary assignment arrangements for certain staff in the education and training sector

• Circular 32/2020: GRANT SCHEME FOR ICT Infrastructure – 2019/2020 SCHOOL YEAR

All recent Department of Education and Skills circulars are available here. 

NEPS advice & resources for keeping children and young people well during Covid-19

The Department of Education and Skills’ NEPS psychologists have developed advice and some resources for young people to manage and stay well when schools are closed. 

• Advice to young people while schools are closed
• Plan for the Day
• Blank Plan for the Day
• Relaxation techniques (text)
• Relaxation techniques (podcast)

NEPS psychologists have developed guidance for parents supporting children to create new routines at home.  Having a Plan for the Day is key for children/young people to manage and stay well at this time.

• Guide for Parents Supporting Children with Routines

NEPS psychologists have developed advice for parents and schools on talking to children and young people about Covid-19 here.

Teacher Wellbeing and Self-care

• Teacher Wellbeing & Self-Care during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) School Closures

Please note that TeacherCPD.ie have developed a great resource specifically to support teachers in Irish schools that have been closed because of COVID-19.

The course is currently open and available to all teachers and guests.

Closing at 5pm on 26th June, 2020. Study time approximately one hour. Enrolment and certification are not available. A good broadband connection is required.

Link to TeacherCPD.ie https://bit.ly/TeachOnle