1. How is the NDNSP different from other local primary schools?
The difference between the NDNSP and other primary schools is that the Patron of the NDNSP is a limited company. The members of the company are called the NDNSP Patron Body. The Patron Body elects a Patron Committee to act as the Patron. In Ireland, the Patron of a primary school sets the ethos of the school. For example, Bishops traditionally fill this role.
The Irish State funds all Irish primary schools, including the NDNSP. The NDNSP must teach the same subjects and follow the same rules as all primary schools.
2. Who is responsible for running the school?
The Department of Education and Science controls all primary schools in Ireland, including the NDNSP. The NDNSP Patron Body set up the school and they safeguard the school's ethos. The Board of Management runs the school for the Patron Body, and the Board of Management and Patron Body make sure that the school follows the rules of the Department of Education and Science.
The NDNSP is a member of the umbrella organisation 'Educate Together'. Educate Together negotiates with the Department of Education and Science and the INTO (Irish National Teachers' Organisation - the primary school teachers' union) for all schools affiliated to Educate Together.
3. What is the ethos of the school?
The school was set up to promote these values (its ethos):
4. What is the NDNSP's 'Core Curriculum'?
The NDNSP has its own 'Core Curriculum' which aims to help children understand social, ethical and moral standards in the areas of honesty, respect, justice, integrity, trust and responsibility. This is at the heart of what the school stands for and is part of all subject areas and every social interaction in the school.
The Core Curriculum has progammes for all classes. It is divided into these strands:
5. What is the role of religion in the school?
During class time, the NDNSP delivers its Core Curriculum and other subjects set by the Department of Education and Science. The NDNSP does not teach religion or prepare pupils for religious ceremonies or sacraments during the school day. The NDNSP respects the religious rights and beliefs of families and , where it can, makes it possible for parents to set up religious instruction classes in the school after school hours. This is optional and is organised by parents.
6. How can parents participate in the NDNSP?
We encourage parents to participate at every level of the school, from day to day activities to school committees. The Board of Management and the Patron Committee are democratic and most members of both committees are parents who work with the principal and staff of the school. The Patron Committee has a sub-committee, the Core Curriculum Committee, which focuses on the ethos of the NDNSP. The NDNSP also has a Parent Teacher Association which initiates and supports social activities.
7. How can I get a place for my child in the NDNSP?
The NDNSP has a simple 'First Come First Served' policy except in two cases:
8. What is the typical class size?
The NDNSP offers classes from Junior Infants to Sixth Class. The maximum number of students in each class is currently 28. The NDNSP has 8 Class Teachers, a Learning Support Teacher and a Principal. The Department of Education and Science policies set class sizes and the number of Learning Support and Special Needs hours made available to children in the school.
9. How is the NDNSP funded?
The NDNSP is funded in the same way as other primary schools in Ireland. The State pays the teachers and gives grants to the Board of Management. These grants mainly depend on the number of children. The grants don't cover the costs of the school,, so we have to fundraise to make up the difference. The NDNSP also has to raise funds for the 'local contribution' that is provided in most schools by the local parish. All our fundraising is voluntary.
10. How can I find out more?
These documents are available to read in the school office:
The school gives a copy of these documents to parents when a child is accepted into the school.