Ireland’s gov.ie guidance on Ukraine schools support remains a vital resource for families, principals and local communities as children arriving from Ukraine seek places in early years settings and classrooms. The latest update from the Department of Education and Youth sets out how schools, parents and regional teams can access practical help, with a strong focus on enrolment, language support and student wellbeing.
The government says Ireland’s response continues to centre on humanitarian protection, with many children among those arriving from Ukraine. In that context, schools across the country have already been welcoming new students, and the department has signalled that further updates will continue as the situation develops. Alongside wider public services such as the Health Service Executive (HSE), Tusla, the Citizens Information Board and Social Protection supports, the education system is being coordinated to help families settle more quickly.
Ukraine schools support on gov.ie: what the latest update means
The core message from gov.ie is straightforward: schools are not being left to manage this alone. The Department of Education and Youth has put structures in place to guide families and school leaders through enrolment and support pathways.
- Families can get help finding a school place locally
- Schools can access guidance on teaching and inclusion
- Parents can review materials on ECCE, primary school and Transition Year
- Students with additional needs can be signposted to specialist supports
The update also reflects the role of the wider public sector, from Local Government and Heritage coordination at community level to transport planning that may involve local education networks and, where relevant, links with the National Transport Authority (NTA).
How Regional Education and Language Teams help families
A key part of the Ukraine schools response is the REALT system, hosted by the 16 regional Education and Training Boards. These Regional Education and Language Teams are designed to connect parents with available school places and relevant local support.
In practice, REALT teams work with:
- Families arriving in Ireland from Ukraine
- School principals and boards
- Education and Training Boards
- Community support networks
Their main job is to help identify an appropriate school placement and direct families toward useful information. This makes REALT one of the most important contact points for anyone trying to navigate school enrolment quickly.
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Key resources for schools, parents and students
The department’s information page brings several resources together in one place. These include guidance for schools, teaching resources, supports for culturally and linguistically diverse learners, and wellbeing materials through NEPS. There is also dedicated information for children from Ukraine with special educational needs.
Resources highlighted in the update
- REALT contacts by county and region
- Information on the early childhood care and education (ECCE) system
- Primary school guidance for parents of younger children
- Transition Year information for students, parents and guardians
- Critical incident resources and student support materials
For school communities, this matters beyond administration. It supports inclusion, continuity in learning and a smoother transition into Irish education. It also aligns with wider national priorities across Education, Children/Disability/Equality, Health and Public Expenditure.
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FAQs on Ukraine schools in Ireland
Who should families contact first?
Families looking for a school place should contact their local REALT team through the relevant Education and Training Board email listed on gov.ie.
What age groups are covered?
The information includes supports for early childhood care and education, primary school students and post-primary learners, including Transition Year guidance.
Are there supports for children with additional needs?
Yes. The page includes information on supports for children from Ukraine with special educational needs, along with student wellbeing resources.
Will more updates be issued?
Yes. The department states that more information will be added as needed as the situation continues to evolve.
What schools and families should take away now
The most important takeaway from the gov.ie Ukraine schools update is that structured help is available, and it is already active across Ireland. Through REALT, school guidance and parent-focused resources, the state is trying to make enrolment and integration more manageable for families arriving from Ukraine. For the latest official information, schools and parents should continue to monitor gov.ie and stay in contact with their local education support teams.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
