Source: Government of Ireland
“Every child deserves to feel safe, respected and supported at school. This investment is about ensuring that when a child is struggling, they are met with understanding, care and the right supports, rather than escalation. It is also about giving our teachers and school staff the confidence and training that they need to respond in a proportionate and effective way.
“We know that how a school responds in moments of difficulty matters enormously. It can help a child feel secure, build trust and enjoy their school day without disruption. With these measures we are continuing to place the child’s wellbeing and long term development at the very centre.”
Continuing, the Minister said:
Supporting Schools to Respond Effectively
The investment builds on ongoing work by the Department, the NCSE, NEPS and the Inspectorate to promote best practice in behaviour support.
Schools will have access to:
- Expanded professional learning through the NCSE
- A dedicated summer course for primary teachers
- Updated guidance on behaviour, regulation and crisis response
- Continued Inspectorate focus on de-escalation and student wellbeing
- The NCSE is currently undertaking a procurement process for the provision of training to mainstream schools on responding to crisis situations. This training will be available to schools upon completion of that process.
New Parental Complaints Portal
The new Parental Complaints Portal will apply in cases where parents have completed a school’s complaints process but remain dissatisfied. Complaints will be reviewed by an independent panel including former inspectors, psychologists, a child safeguarding expert and stakeholder representatives.
The portal for parents’ complaints relating to restraint will be available from September 2026. Parents who have concerns regarding the manner in which a school managed a restraint, and who have completed the schools’ complaint process will be enabled to submit documentation to the Department via a dedicated email address. This information will be reviewed by an expert group.
Announcing the establishment of the portal, Minister Naughton said:
The portal will operate as an interim measure pending the introduction of statutory complaints procedures.