Primary Options: How to Choose the Right School for Your Child...and Much More!

Is the local parish school the only - or the best - option?

At what age should you send your child to school?

What should you look for when choosing a school?

What are the rights of children with special needs?

Is home education an option?

What about issues like bullying, diversity, discipline?

How can you help your child with homework?

What else should you know to be sure your child will be happy in school?

There was a time not long ago when parents sent their children to the local primary school - possibly the same one they had attended - and there was little choice. Much has changed, particularly during the last decade, with the introduction of a new curriculum and radical changes in legislation and structures. There is also today a much wider variety of options open to parents, including the rise of Gaelscoileanna, Educate Together schools, multi-denominational and private schools, as well as the more traditional parish schools.

In addition to comparing and contrasting these different models, the book examines many of the issues of concern to parents, including school structure and management, legislation, rights and responsibilities, admissions policies, curriculum, homework, child development, bullying, discipline, special educational needs, health and safety, parents associations, home education and more. Primary Options is an essential guide for anyone approaching the primary school system for the first time as parents, and also for those who are considering a change of educational environment for their children.

About the Authors

Eleanor Gaire is Managing Director of Storm Marketing and Design. The mother of three school-going children, she has been involved with the parents association and the Board of Management of their schools for the past seven years. Oliver Mahon is a Barrister based in Galway and a former school principal.