IPPN

Published: 12 October 2023

This week’s e-scéal includes information on the following:

• Budget 2024 
• Planning Prompts
• Membership 2023/2024
• Getting your ducks in a row’ series - Episode 6
• Leadership+ Issue 129 - Gifted Learners - Is differentiation enough
• Spotlight on our Keynote Speakers
• DE Updates/Circulars
• Oide – Supports re. Technology/ICT
• NCCA Webinar on the Primary Curriculum

Budget 2024 is a mixture of some gains and significant frustration at the missed opportunity to more adequately support school leadership.

IPPN’s Budget 2024 submission focused on four key areas:

• enhancing leadership capacity in schools
• the resourcing of schools to meet SEN needs
• the need for a review of the current governance structure
• the provision of adequate funding to schools.T

There has been some progress in all four areas. There remains significant scope for further progress.

[Read More]

Planning Prompts
Even with the increased use of online communications, the administration of paperwork can still be a nightmare, with time hunting for that important letter or form put aside to be dealt with as soon as you have the time to respond to it. Set aside the same time every day for managing the post. As much as is practical, try to handle the post only once. If a form has to be filled, do it straight away or give it to an appropriate staff member for completion.

[Read More]

Membership 2023/2024
Schools received the IPPN 2023/2024 Wall Calendar/Féilire with the Membership Renewal form at the start of September.

2,500 schools have already renewed their membership for 2023/24. If you have misplaced your renewal form, you can download a new form by clicking here.

‘Getting your ducks in a row’ series. Episode 6: Data Protection and Note-taking
The final episode in the series addresses the key challenges around Data Protection and Note-taking, including:

• Limiting the school’s liability
• Legislation and GDPR principles
• Roles and responsibilities
• Scenarios
• Communication
• CCTV
• Data breach

Click here to access the video
(Please share with members of the Board of Management)

Leadership+ - Gifted Learners - Is differentiation enough
It’s a bug-bear of mine to see generic packs of activities being promoted to NQTs to cater to gifted learners. Having engaged with NQTs through Droichead, there seems to be a lack of education, leading to misunderstandings about the academic and emotional needs of these children. Additional written tasks or extra worksheets can be more of a punishment than an incentive. Experienced teachers have developed skills to differentiate the needs of these children. However, does differentiation cut it?

Click here to view the article

Spotlight on our Keynote Speakers - Dr Katriona O’Sullivan
Katriona O’Sullivan is a Lecturer in the Department of Psychology at MU. She is researching digital equality and equity education issues, and works closely with Irish policy-makers on education and inclusion policy, having published research on equality, gender, education, inclusion and STEM.

Her best-selling memoir ‘Poor’ tells her story of growing up in extreme poverty, and its far-reaching impact on children.

Click here to find out more about conference keynote speakers

Book your place on www.ippn.ie – Limited availability remaining

DE Updates/Circulars

• National recruitment campaign for Special Educational Needs Organisers
• Main features of Budget 2024 for the Department of Education
• Breastfeeding Breaks for Registered Teachers employed in Recognised Primary and Post Primary Schools
• Breastfeeding Breaks for Special Needs Assistants employed In Recognised Primary and Post Primary Schools

Oide - Supports re. Technology/ICT
PDST Technology in Education is now 'Oide Technology in Education'. Their role in supporting primary schools has not changed.

Among the supports provided are guidance and support on

• Digital Technology Infrastructure, including computing devices, school networking, WiFi, projectors, interactive flat panels, learning platforms, cybersecurity
• Technical support
• Schools Broadband Service Desk.

Find out more: Digital Technology Infrastructure (DTI) section

NCCA Webinar on the Primary Curriculum
NCCA is hosting a webinar on Wednesday, 25th October from 4pm – 5pm. You will hear from research authors, Dr Patrick Burke and Dr Paula Lehane of DCU, who will share their insights from ground-breaking research on the connections between Integration, Pedagogy and Assessment in support of the redevelopment of the Primary School Curriculum.

Click here to register

The research reports are available here.