Professional Guidance: Review of Teaching Staff Leave Policy
- Published: 14 October 2024
As we approach the end of the calendar year, it is timely that all school Boards of Management and school staff consult on a review or the development of a new Leave Policy in preparation for 2024/25 applications. This needs to be in place prior to applications from staff to the BoM in January. Conditions outlined in the policy at the time of application will apply; conditions cannot be applied retrospectively.
This highly important school policy is governed by the regulations and procedures set out in circular 0054/2019, which covers all types of leave available to teaching staff with approved contracts. Employers or Boards of Management are charged with implementing the said regulations and procedures and, along with teachers, must agree to the terms and conditions as stated within the circular.
Many types of leave are covered within the policy, including Sick Leave, Maternity Leave, Adoptive Leave, Paternity Leave, Parental Leave, Carer’s Leave, Career-Break, Job-Sharing and the Temporary Re-Assignment Scheme.
Each Board of Management must develop and maintain a policy on teacher leave. The welfare and education of the pupils must take precedence over all other considerations.
Due regard must be given by the school Board to the capacity of the school to meet its obligations to its pupils. Therefore, it may apply a limit to the number of teaching staff that may avail of leave, career-break and job-sharing, in particular at any one time. This must be considered in the context of the availability of qualified teachers as teacher supply continues to be an issue.
1mportant dates:
1. Applications by 1 February
2. Board written decision no later than 1 March
3. Applications can be withdrawn by 14 April.
A Board decision is final. A refusal decision must include the grounds for refusal.
