Parent’s leave for teachers and special needs assistants
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From: Department of Education
- Published on: 24 May 2021
- Last updated on: 16 July 2024
Parent's Leave
Parent’s Leave is a period of statutory unpaid leave available to the relevant parent to enable them to provide, or assist in the provision of, care to the child. Parent’s Leave must be taken within 24 months from the date of birth of the child or in the case of adoption, the day of placement of the child.
Teachers
A teacher, who is a relevant parent of a child born or adopted, on or after 1 November 2019, is entitled to a maximum of nine weeks Parent’s Leave with effect from 1 August 2024, subject to qualifying criteria.
For further information, please refer to Circular 0058/2024 titled ‘Parent’s Leave Scheme for Registered Teachers Employed in Recognised Primary and Post-Primary Schools’.
Special Needs Assistants
An SNA, who is a relevant parent of a child born or adopted, on or after 1 November 2019, is entitled to a maximum of nine weeks Parent’s Leave with effect from 1 August 2024, subject to qualifying criteria.
For further information, please refer to Circular 0059/2024 titled ‘Parent’s Leave Scheme for Special Needs Assistants Employed in Recognised Primary and Post-Primary Schools’
How to apply for Parent's Leave
Teachers
A teacher must complete the Application Form at Appendix A of the relevant circular and submit it to their employer (or on the relevant ETB system, where applicable) at least six weeks prior to the planned commencement date.
Special Needs Assistants
An SNA must complete the Application Form at Appendix A of the relevant circular and submit it to their employer (or on the relevant ETB system, where applicable) at least six weeks prior to the planned commencement date.
Contact Details
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