Catalogue of Wellbeing Resources for Primary Schools
- Foilsithe: 2 Meán Fómhair 2024
- An t-eolas is déanaí: 12 Aibreán 2025
- Anti Bullying
- Child Protection
- Classroom Management
- Critical Incident
- Data Protection
- External Programmes (use of)
- Health and Wellbeing
- Inclusion
- Internet Safety
- Parents - Supports and Resources
- Physical Education/Physical Activity
- Pupil Voice
- Reluctant Attendance/ School Refusal Behaviour
- Restorative Practice resources
- RSE/SPHE
- School Leadership
- School Staff Wellbeing
- Special Educational Needs
- Transitions
Anti Bullying
Bí Cineálta procedures to prevent and address bullying behaviour for primary schools
Cineáltas Action Plan on Bullying
The Bí Cineálta procedures to prevent and address bullying behaviour for primary and post-primary schools were published on 19 June 2024. These procedures replace the 2013 anti-bullying procedures for primary and post-primary schools and the requirements of these procedures come into effect from 1 September 2025.These procedures have resulted from a review of the 2013 anti-bullying procedures for primary and post-primary schools and the implementation of Cineáltas: Action Plan on Bullying which was published in December 2022.
Anti-Bullying Procedures for Primary and Post- Primary Schools (DES, 2013)
The Anti-Bullying procedures for primary and post-primary schools are mandatory and each school must have an anti-bullying policy which is reviewed annually. The purpose of these procedures is to give direction and guidance to school authorities and school personnel in preventing and tackling school-based bullying behaviour amongst its pupils and in dealing with any negative impact within school of bullying behaviour that occurs elsewhere.
Anti-Bullying Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools (DES, 2013)
FUSE Anti-Bullying and Online Safety Programme
The Department of Education is working with the Dublin City University (DCU) Anti-Bullying Centre to arrange for the FUSE anti-bullying and online safety programme to be available and promoted to schools. The programme continues to be updated by the DCU Anti-Bullying Centre based on research and feedback.
FUSE Anti-Bullying and Online Safety Programme
The National Anti-Bullying Website
A national anti-bullying website to counter bullying and cyberbullying for young people, parents and teachers.
The National Anti-Bullying Website
Oide Anti-Bullying Resource Materials
The Oide Anti-Bullying page includes resources for Anti-Bullying Awareness Raising, Prevention and Intervention Strategies. It includes Oide Anti-bulling Support Materials, OIDE Anti-bullying policy template, OIDE Information Booklet as well as material from the Oide seminar ‘Internet Safety, Cyber Safety and Bullying’ (2019/2020).
Child Protection
Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post- Primary Schools (DES, 2017)
The Department of Education is responsible for developing and implementing child protection procedures for schools based on the Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2017.
The Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools (revised 2023)aims to give direction to school management and staff regarding the identification of and response to child protection concerns and the process for continued support of the child.
On 31 March 2023 the Department published Child Protection and Safeguarding Procedures for Boarding Facilities associated with Recognised Schools 2023to inform the management of all boarding facilities of what is required of them in their implementation of the Children First Act 2015 and to ensure that arrangements for the oversight of the requirements of the Children First Act 2015, including Children First: National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2017, are in place across all boarding facilities.
Stay Safe Programme
The Stay Safe programme is a personal safety skills programme for primary schools. The aim of the programme is to reduce vulnerability to child abuse and bullying through the provision of personal safety education for children and training for teachers, school management boards and parents.
Classroom Management
Incredible Years Teacher Classroom Management (IYTCM) Programme
The Incredible Years’ programme is a primary whole school-based prevention and early intervention programme designed to reduce conduct problems and promote children’s pro-social behaviour. Monitor your local Education Centre Website for details of upcoming trainings.
Evidence-Based Early Interventions programs
Guidelines for Supporting Pupils with Behavioural, Emotional and Social Difficulties
An Information Guide for Primary Schools. This resource is currently under review and will be update soon.
Behaviour and Emotional and Social Difficulties
National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) Guidelines, Tips and Handouts for Parents and Teachers
NEPS have produced some very useful guidelines, hand-outs and tips for teachers and parents on a series of topics, for example, managing reluctant attendance, social skills, wellbeing and mental health and other relate themes
Critical Incident
Critical Incident Guidelines (NEPS, 2017)
These guidelines help schools to plan for and to cope with the various challenges that arise from critical incidents. The guidelines are accompanied by training to support school staff in preparing for and responding to critical incidents.
Data Protection
Advice on Data Protection Requirements
This website contains links to relevant information for schools on data protection requirements.
External Programmes (use of)
Circular 0042/2018 - Best practice guidance for primary schools in the use of programmes and/or external facilitators in promoting wellbeing consistent with the Department of Education Wellbeing Policy Statement and Framework for Practice
This circular offers best practice guidance in selecting wellbeing promotion programmes and/or external facilitators (both once-off speakers and those delivering programmes over a period of time), to support the implementation of the Wellbeing Promotion Process including, in particular, the selection for social, personal and health education (SPHE), and relationships and sexuality education (RSE) curricula. This guidance is in line with the DE Wellbeing Policy Statement and Framework for Practice
Health and Wellbeing
Wellbeing Policy Statement and Framework for Practice
Sets out the policy of the Department of Education and Skills in relation to its role in the promotion of the wellbeing of our children and young people in schools and centres for education.
Wellbeing Policy Statement and Framework for Practice
School Self Evaluation (SSE) Six Step Process
Guides schools through the School Self Evaluation process, and includes guidance on using questionnaires, and focus groups
School Self Evaluation (SSE) Six Step Process
Reflections of Using the School Self Evaluation Process to Initiate a Wellbeing Promotion Review and Developmental Cycle
A selection of videos from 4 primary schools outlining how they used SSE to promote wellbeing in their school
OIDE training on wellbeing and SSE (formally PDST)
Webinars for supporting a whole school wellbeing promotion process
PDST training on wellbeing and SSE
Wellbeing in Education
Wellbeing guidance documents on the following :
- Managing Stress and Anxiety - A Guide for Students
- Managing Stress and Anxiety. A Guide for School Staff
- Reluctant School Attendance
- Responding to Self-Harm in Schools
- Psychological First Aid
- Feelings cards
- Managing Stress and Anxiety
- Panic Attacks
- Normalising Thoughts, Feelings and Behaviours: A Guide for School Staff
- The Response to Stress: Information for School Staff
- Self-regulation for students
- Managing Thoughts and Feelings – A Guide for Students
- Wellbeing toolkit
Physical Activity
Resources to support physical activity in primary schools.
- Get active In the classroom
- Active playgrounds
- Get your school walking
Physical Activity Resources for Primary School Teachers - HSE.ie
HSE Schools and Young People
The HSE website provides information and resources including booklets on areas including suicide, self-harm and mental health. The website also provides information on initiatives such as MindOurMinds which outlines how young people are promoting the importance of mental health among their schools and local communities.
Get Up, Stand Up
Get Up, Stand Up, is a seven session social skills learning programme aimed at pupils in sixth class, developed by NEPS. It covers themes such as ‘Friendship’, ‘Dealing with Teasing and Intimidation’ and ‘Resilience and Coping’.
For access, send an email to GUSU@education.gov.ie with your name and school name and address and you will be forwarded:
- a link to a 30min information/training video
- a copy of the manual + addendum with updated links to useful resources
Setting Up a Social Skills Training Group
This guide provides information for primary schools on starting and running a social skills training group. It also provides information about social skills programmes that were evaluated as effective as part of a two year action research project that took place in Waterford.
Zippy’s Friends
The Zippy’s Friends Programme is designed to promote the emotional well-being of children aged five to eight years by increasing their repertoire of coping skills. For further information about programmes that may be running in your locality contact HSE health promotion.
Responding to Self-Harm in Schools
Guidance for school staff
Responding to Self-Harm in Schools
Oide support service
SPHE, RSE, Stay Safe, Child Protection, Anti-Bullying, Restorative Practice and Teacher Wellbeing.
Oide support service for teachers and school leaders
Using research on Wellbeing in our school
This section of the Teaching Council website contains resources focused on the theme of wellbeing. It contains a webinar, an e-zine and e-books, all on the topic of wellbeing
Inclusion
All Together Now (2013)
“All Together Now!” on Homophobic and Transphobic Bullying (4 lessons grounded in the SPHE curriculum for 5th and 6th Class teachers). Initiated under the National Action Plan on Bullying 2013.
Autism Good Practice Guidance for Schools
Autism Good Practice Guidance for Schools has been developed by the Department of Education as a resource for schools and others. It is designed to help support the wellbeing, learning and participation of children and young people with autism in education.
Autism Good Practice Guidance for Schools
Together towards inclusion: Toolkit for Diversity in the primary school.
This resource covers ‘getting ready’ to host newcomer children, classroom supports and activities, and wider school supports.
Toolkit for Diversity in the primary school.
Ukraine – Information for schools
In this area of gov.ie, there are guidelines and support for schools on supporting children who have arrived from Ukraine, eg, details of Regional Educational and Language Teams, Teaching Resources, Critical Incident Resources etc.
These guidelines has been developed by NEPS and are intended to be adapted by school communities to support the wellbeing of all recently and newly arrived Ukrainian children to our schools
Supporting the Wellbeing of Children from Ukraine in your School
Supporting culturally and linguistically diverse learners
EAL resources list from the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment
Supporting culturally and linguistically diverse learners
Inclusive Education Framework - A guide for schools on the inclusion of pupils with special educational needs
The Inclusive Education Framework is a new interactive tool to be used by schools to assist schools plan, measure and improve how pupils with special educational needs are supported.
Resources to support teaching and learning – online resources
A range of online resources for teachers and parents to support inclusion including information on the visiting teacher service and behaviour support.
Supporting the Wellbeing of Children from Ukraine in your School
These guidelines has been developed by NEPS and are intended to be adapted by school communities to support the wellbeing of all recently and newly arrived Ukrainian children to our schools
Internet Safety
Acceptable Usage Policy (ICT)
The OIDE Technology in Education guidelines support schools in developing Acceptable Usage policies for ICT. Guidance for developing an Acceptable Usage Policy for Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
Acceptable Usage Policy for Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
Webwise: Primary
The Webwise Primary Programme is a booklet which gives SPHE teachers assistance in teaching safe and responsible internet use.
HTML Heroes
This programme teaches pupils the importance of digital safely with the help of HTML HEROES
MySelfie
Webwise Primary Anti Cyber Bullying Resource
Safer Internet Day
Safer Internet Day is an EU wide initiative to promote a safer internet for all users, especially young people
Guidance for Registered Teachers About the Use of Social Media and Electronic Communication.
This document is aimed at providing guidance for teachers about the use of social media and electronic communication, identifying potential dangers, offering advice about how to avoid them and providing a context for responsible, professional use of electronic
communication and social media.
Guidance for Registered Teachers About the Use of Social Media and Electronic Communication
Parents - Supports and Resources
NEPS Information for Parents
Information on what NEPS does and what do you do if you think your child needs to be seen by a NEPS Psychologist
LINK Not working
Wellbeing guidance documents
Wellbeing guidance documents on the following :
- How to Calm and Support your Child: Advice for Parents and Guardians
- Managing Stress and Anxiety: A Guide for Parents and Guardians
Supporting your Child when they are Reluctant to Attend School.
This document contains information on:
- Why your child may feel reluctant about going to school.
- Managing your own thoughts and feelings.
- What you can do to support your child in going to school when they are reluctant.
- What you as a parent can expect your child’s school to do to support your child at this time.
Guidance for Parents and Guardians of Primary School Children
Transition from Preschool to primary (2020)
Guidance document for parents of children transitioning into primary school.
Guidance for Parents of children transitioning from Pre-school to Primary School
Let’s Get Ready website(2020)
Resources for children and families to support young children and their parents/guardians plan for the transition to pre-school or primary school later this year.
Let’s Get Ready includes guidance for parents on practical steps they can take to support their children over the coming months and tips on what children and parents can expect on their transition to pre-school and primary school.
Item was unpublished or removed
Social, Personal and Health Education in Primary School – Tips for Parents
This document provides information for parents on SPHE and how parents can develop SPHE at home.
Social, Personal and Health Education in Primary School – Tips for Parents
Stay Safe for Parents
This page provides information for parents on the Stay Safe programme, how it is taught in school and how parents/guardians are involved in the programme.
Making the ‘Big Talk’ many small talks.
“Making the 'Big Talk' many small talks” is a series of resources developed to help parents to talk with their children about relationships and sexuality. They may also be useful for teachers. For parents of children aged 4-7 and for parents of children aged 8-12.
Stress Control
A 6 session online evidence-based programme that teaches you practical skills to deal with stress. A resource that can be shared with parents to help them through stressful situations
Physical Education/Physical Activity
The Physical Education (PE) Curriculum Primary
Implementation of the Physical Education Curriculum Primary is mandatory. The curriculum is divided into six strands and is outlined in this curriculum document :
- Athletics
- Dance
- Gymnastics
- Games
- Outdoor and adventure activities
- Aquatics
Primary School Curriculum - Physical Education
Physical Activity Resources for Primary School Teachers
Resources to support physical activity in schools:
- Get active In the classroom
- Active playgrounds
- Get your school walking
Physical Activity Resources for Primary School Teachers
Oide Physical Education Resources and Supports
Resources to support the implementation of the Primary Physical Education Curriculum.
Pupil Voice
Listening to Children and Young People (2016)
This resource was developed to support adults in their work with challenging and vulnerable children and young people.
Listening to Children and Young People
Our voices Our school
Our Voices Our Schools is the outcome of a decision made by Comhairle na nÓg National Executive 2016 – 17 to focus specifically on equality in the school setting. It is a resource for schools to support listening to and involving young people in decision making about matters that affect them in school.
SPHE/RSE Toolkit
The toolkit aims to provide teaching and learning resources and guidance to support teachers in preparing for and teaching SPHE/RSE
[external-link https://www.curriculumonline.ie/primary/curriculum-areas/social-personal-and-health-education/sphe-rse-toolkit/ | SPHE/RSE Toolkit | Curriculum Online ]
Reluctant Attendance/ School Refusal Behaviour
School Refusal – Good Practice Guide
This guidance has been developed by NEPS to provide schools with information on how to support pupils who display reluctant attendance and school avoidance behaviour. This includes those pupils who are reluctant about attending school, those who miss days regularly, and those who are continually absent from school.
Restorative Practice resources
This page contains information and resources on Restorative Practice which promotes and enhances skills such as the ability to empathise and to find solutions to specific problems. This practice allows for building trust between and with people.
RSE/SPHE
SPHE/RSE Toolkit
The toolkit aims to provides teaching and learning resources and guidance to support teachers in preparing for and teaching SPHE/RSE .
SPHE/RSE Toolkit - Curriculum Online
Primary SPHE
This page provides a number of resources to support the teaching and learning of SPHE to include an E-learning programme for teachers.
Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) - Oide
Webinar: Relationships and Sexuality Education for Primary Schools: A Look at Resources
This webinar highlights the practical resources that are available to support teaching and learning in the Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) element of SPHE and outlines a range of new resources developed to support the teaching of the sensitive elements of RSE, including our new Busy Bodies workbook and the Advice for Parents document.
Relationships and Sexuality Education NCCA SPHE/RSE Toolkit
Busy Bodies
A resource for schools and parents on supporting young people through puberty
Making the ‘Big Talk’ many small talks.
“Making the 'Big Talk' many small talks” is a series of resources developed to help parents to talk with their children about relationships and sexuality. They may also be useful for teachers. For parents of children aged 4-7. andparents of children aged 8-12.
School Leadership
Leadership and management in Primary schools Circulars
This circular sets out a leadership and management framework for posts in recognized primary schools. This circular supersedes all previous circulars, memoranda, rules and regulations in relation to posts of responsibility, including Circulars 063/2017, 039/2014 and 07/2003.
Or
School Staff Wellbeing
Employee Assistance Service provided by Spectrum Life
The Employee Assistance Service provided by Spectrum Life provides the following services:
The EAS provides advice to employees on a range of issues including wellbeing, legal, financial, bereavement, conflict, mediation etc. The EAS also provides advice and support to managers and delivers interventions to help them deal with health and wellbeing issues in the workplace.
Dedicated free-phone confidential helpline available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week 365 days per year.
- Bespoke wellbeing portal
- Spectrum Life webinars
- Promote staff wellbeing in the workplace with a focus on prevention
- Mental Health Promotion Manager available for wellbeing promotion
- Support Programme for Managers
- Short-term counselling for individuals
The EAS also provides advice and support to managers and delivers interventions to help them deal with health and wellbeing issues in the workplace.
Item was unpublished or removed
Oide Wellbeing at work: Teacher Wellbeing section
This page contains a number of resources to support teacher wellbeing.
Oide Wellbeing at work: Teacher Wellbeing section
Take Care of You: Teacher Wellbeing
The Teaching Council website provides a list of supports and resources. to support the wellbeing of teachers, including personal, professional and financial supports.
Special Educational Needs
NEPS Continuum of Support Guidelines and Documents
This page contain resources for students with Special Educational Needs at Primary level. Documents include :
- Continuum of Support Guidelines for Teachers
- Continuum of Support Resource Pack for Teachers
- Behavioural, Social and Emotional Difficulties – information guide for primary schools & Continuum of Support Guidelines for Teachers
Special Educational Needs Resources - NEPS
National Council for Special Education
The NCSE website provides information for schools about resources and professional development for teachers working with students with special educational needs.
Transitions
Transition from Preschool to primary
Guidance document for parents of children transitioning into primary school.
Guidance for Parents of children transitioning from Pre-school to Primary School
Guidance to support the effective management of transitions from early learning and care (ELC) settings to primary school – (June 2021)
This document provides advice for primary school leaders and teachers in supporting the transition of pupils into primary education. It also considers the transition of pupils from class to class, including special class settings, within the primary school.
Mo Scéal
Pre-school to primary transition support materials
Lets Get Ready website(2020)
Resources for children and families to support young children and their parents/guardians plan for the transition to pre-school or primary school later this year.
Let’s Get Ready includes guidance for parents on practical steps they can take to support their children over the coming months and tips on what children and parents can expect on their transition to pre-school and primary school.
Item was unpublished or removed
Transfer from Primary to Post-primary (2015)
This resource includes a NEPS transfer profile, a resource pack outlining how to prepare students with additional needs for the transition from primary to post primary school and a sample of transfer programmes and workbooks.
Transition to Post Primary
Information and resources on Transition to post primary school.
National Council for Special Education - Transitions
Education Passport (NCCA, 2014)
The Education Passport materials support the transfer of pupil information from primary to post-primary school. From 2014/2015, schools should use these materials.
Preschool to primary transition support material
Preschool to primary support materials.
Wellbeing Toolkit for staff (2024)
The wellbeing toolkit is a resource for primary schools which includes sections on :
• Staff wellbeing and self-care
• Supporting the wellbeing of all children and young people in school
• Additional support for some children and young people