PARENT SUPPORT
Helping your child thrive.
Parenting a child through primary school brings plenty of questions. Whether you’re looking for ideas to support learning at home, wondering about your child’s wellbeing or development, or simply unsure where to turn for advice, we’ve gathered some trusted resources that may help.
And remember — if you’re worried about your child, you can always start by talking to us.
LEARNING TOGETHER
Supporting learning at home.
Helping your child learn doesn’t have to mean recreating the classroom at home. Reading together, talking, playing, exploring and taking an interest in what your child is learning can all make a difference.
NCCA — Learning at Home
Information for parents about children’s learning in primary school, with practical resources for supporting learning, play, literacy and maths at home. The NCCA also has guidance explaining the redeveloped Primary School Curriculum.
National Parents Council
Practical information for parents about learning at home, transitions, wellbeing and primary-school life. NPC also operates a confidential helpline for parents with questions or concerns about their child’s school experience.
WHEN SOMETHING DOESN’T FEEL RIGHT
Not sure where to start?
Parents know their children best. You might notice a change in your child’s mood, behaviour, friendships, learning or willingness to come to school. Sometimes you may simply have a feeling that something isn’t quite right.
You don’t need to have all the answers before asking for help.
TALK TO YOUR CHILD
Choose a quiet moment. Listen and give them time to tell you what’s happening in their own words.
TALK TO US
If the concern relates to school, learning, friendships or your child’s experience in school, contact their class teacher. We can work together to understand what’s happening and decide what support may help.
SEEK FURTHER SUPPORT
For concerns about your child’s health, development or emotional wellbeing, your GP can also be an important first point of contact. The HSE advises parents to contact their GP where, for example, persistent anxiety is affecting a child’s everyday life.
BULLYING & FRIENDSHIPS
We want every child at Drumbaragh to feel safe, included and happy at school. If you are concerned about bullying, friendships or something happening online that may be affecting your child, please contact us. It is always better to start the conversation.
LEARNING & ADDITIONAL NEEDS
Finding the right support.
NCSE — National Council for Special Education
Information for parents of children with additional educational needs, including school supports, accessing services, transitions, forms and the NCSE support network. SENOs work with schools and families and can provide guidance about special-education supports.
Dyslexia Ireland
Information and practical guidance about dyslexia, including supporting reading, spelling, homework, confidence and wellbeing. They also provide parent courses, assessment information and other supports.
WELLBEING
Supporting their emotional wellbeing.
Children can experience worries, friendship difficulties, anxiety and periods when they simply don’t seem like themselves. Reliable information can help parents decide what support their child may need.
HSE — Children’s Mental Health
Reliable health information for parents, including guidance around anxiety and a directory of mental-health organisations and supports for children and young people.
National Parents Council Helpline
A free, confidential service where parents can talk through questions or concerns about their child’s education and school experience. The current service is available Monday–Friday, 10am–4pm, on 01 887 4477.
ONLINE LIFE
Helping children navigate the online world.
Technology can offer children wonderful opportunities to learn, create and connect — but it can also bring challenges. Webwise provides Irish parents with practical, up-to-date advice about online safety.
WE’RE HERE TOO
Start with a conversation.
Websites can provide useful information, but they don’t know your child. If you have a concern about your child’s learning, friendships, wellbeing or experience at school, please talk to us.
Working together gives us the best opportunity to understand what’s happening and support your child.
