Adoptive leave for school staff
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From: Department of Education
- Published on: 3 December 2019
- Last updated on: 15 April 2025
Adoptive Leave
Adoptive Leave is granted to teachers and special needs assistants who are qualifying adopters. The leave starts on the date of the child's placement with the adopting teacher/SNA.
It consists of a period of 24 consecutive weeks statutory paid leave and up to a maximum of 16 consecutive weeks statutory additional unpaid leave.
Teachers
A teacher may also apply for non-statutory additional Unpaid Adoptive Leave until the end of the school year, 31 August.
For further information for teachers, please refer to Circular 0047/2023 titled “Adoptive Leave Scheme for Registered Teachers employed in Recognised Primary and Post Primary Schools”.
SNAs
For further information for SNAs please refer to Circular 0048/2023 titled “Adoptive Leave Scheme for Special Needs Assistants in Recognised Primary and Post Primary Schools”.
How to apply for Adoptive Leave
Teachers
Teachers must complete the Application Form on page 15 of Circular 0047/2023 and submit it to their employer at least 6 weeks before the planned start date.
SNAs
Special needs assistants must complete the Application Form on page 15 of Circular 0048/2023 and return it to their employer at least 6 weeks before taking leave.
Staff other than teachers and special needs assistants in Education and Training Boards
For staff other than teachers and special needs assistants in Education and Training Boards, see circular
Contact Details
Teacher and SNAs: Teacher/SNA Terms and Conditions Section
Teacher and SNAs: Teacher/SNA Terms and Conditions Section
- Address:
- Teacher/SNA Terms & Conditions, Department of Education, Cornamaddy, Athlone, Co. Westmeath N37 X659
- Email:
- Telephone:
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(090) 648 3734
- Summary:
- Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) are encouraged to submit queries regarding SNA Leave Schemes to their employers in the first instance. All employers have access to applicable Circulars relating to SNA Leave Schemes. Queries relating to statutory and non-statutory SNAs Leave Schemes can be submitted to Leave Admin Section, Teacher/SNA Terms and Conditions Section at the email address above. Recruitment and Appointment Unit in Teacher/SNA Terms and Conditions Section sets out the recruitment and appointment procedures for SNAs for the primary and post primary sector. Queries should be submitted to PORqueries@education.gov.ie