A Guide to IPPN

A Guide to IPPN

Table of Contents IPPN – The Organisation n Who we are n What we do n How we do it n Why we do it n Vision, Mission and Values

2 2 2 2 2 3

Supports & Services Leadership Support n E-scéal n Leadership+ n Stepping into Leadership – the dedicated support for Newly Appointed School Leaders n Group Mentoring n Supports Available on IPPN’s Website l Leadership Tools l Resource Bundles l Sample Policies l Resources l Be Well, Lead Well: Burnout Prevention n Mailing Lists

4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 6 6

E-Services EducationPosts.ie n Online Application Portal n Sub Seeker n TextaParent.ie n Summer Programme Portal n Home-Based Summer Programme Noticeboard n School Suppliers Catalogue

7 7 7 7 8 8 8 8

Continuous Professional Development Annual Conferences n Autumn City/County Network Meetings n Education Expo at IPPN Conferences

9 9 9 9

Advocacy Our Approach n Research n Leading for Impact: IPPN Podcast

11 11 12 12

Strategic Priorities 2026-2030 Supporting for Impact n Communicating for Impact n Collaborating for Impact n Evolving for Impact

13 13 13 14 14

Governance & Structure of the Organisation National Council and its Committees n Board of Directors n The Support Office Team n Charitable Status n Triple Lock Standard

15 15 16 16 16 16

Contact us

18

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IPPN – The Organisation WHO WE ARE IPPN

is

the

officially

n

recognised

professional

network for primary school leaders in Ireland.​

develop and enhance school leadership practice n

support their leadership

harnessing the collective experience and wisdom of n

WHAT WE DO IPPN works to support and strengthen the leadership of Ireland’s primary schools, and to contribute to shaping education policy and practice.

We carry out targeted advocacy grounded in the professional insight of school leaders

and deliver better outcomes for children, schools, communities, and the wider education system.​

We communicate to keep school leaders informed, and offer clarity, guidance and shared learning to

​We connect, support and empower school leaders by the network to enhance school leadership practice

We provide practical supports and services to

n

We collaborate with education partners to help shape policy, practice and system priorities.

WHY WE DO IT Impactful school leadership transforms the lives of children by enhancing their experience of school, the culture of learning, and the quality of education in Ireland.

HOW WE DO IT n

We connect school leaders through a trusted national network to share experience, insight and support

n

We listen carefully to the challenges and priorities of school leaders across all contexts

All evidence confirms that school leadership is a key determinant of improved outcomes for children and school communities.

​

A Guide to IPPN

VISION, MISSION AND VALUES

Honouring our Values

In 2025, as part of the strategic planning process

IPPN’s values represent the spirit and ethos of

for the period 2026 to 2030, IPPN developed new

the organisation. They speak to the reality and

statements of vision and mission, to better reflect

aspiration of school leadership, how relationships

its purpose, values and future direction. The new

are built, and what ultimately matters most in the

vision and mission statements are the result of deep

work of school leaders.

reflection and robust consultation.

These values are intentionally grounded in IPPN’s

Vision

legacy. Is d’aon ghnó a úsáidtear téarmaí Gaeilge

The quality of a child’s experience in primary school

- aithnítear ról na gairme i gcaomhnú agus i gcur

is deeply shaped by the leadership of their school.

chun cinn na teanga.

Therefore, we are working towards a future where

(The use of the words in Irish is deliberate; it

every school leader is empowered and supported, to

acknowledges the profession’s role in preserving

help all children thrive.

and promoting the language.)

Our vision is:

Misneach (Courage)

Empowered school leadership helping every child

We understand and value the steadfast courage it

to thrive.

takes to lead every day. ​

Mission

Tacaíocht (Support)

Our mission is: To create the environment in which school leadership can flourish.

We create this environment through support, communication, and collaboration.

We recognise that support is fundamental to how we connect and collaborate as a network of school leaders.​ Spreagadh (Inspiration) We are inspired by and seek to inspire leadership that positively impacts children, schools and the communities they serve.

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Supports & Services IPPN seeks to empower school leaders and effective school leadership through the provision of high-quality supports and services that are in keeping with and informed by the needs of our members. From the National Support Office in Cork, IPPN offers the following supports and services to IPPN members.

LEADERSHIP SUPPORT

LEADERSHIP+

This one-to-one, confidential advisory service, provided

IPPN publishes five issues of Leadership+ per school

by a team of skilled, experienced school leaders, offers

year, showcasing members’ own research and the

collegial support and guidance of a non-directive

work IPPN does on behalf of members, as well as

and non-legal nature. Typically, the team responds to

bringing external

approximately 3,000 calls for support, annually. The

perspectives

team closely monitors the issues and queries raised

on matters of

by members and this information is factored into the

relevance to

plans for the development of resources and CPD.

school leaders – researchers, policy-makers,

E-SCÉAL

stakeholders,

This weekly newsletter is issued every Thursday

education thought

afternoon through the school year to principals

leaders etc.

and deputy principals. It is a vital ‘one-stop-shop’

Leadership+

resource, providing key information from across the

Archive

education sector.

A Guide to IPPN

STEPPING INTO LEADERSHIP the dedicated support for Newly Appointed School Leaders

SUPPORTS AVAILABLE ON IPPN’S WEBSITE

Stepping into Leadership is a bespoke support

2025. Now mobile and tablet device-friendly, the

provided to newly appointed school leaders, as

website provides access to a wealth of resources and

well as those stepping into a leadership role on a

supports for school leaders when they need them.

temporary basis, throughout their first two years in

These include the following:

IPPN launched a brand-new website in September

the role. With an emphasis on personal leadership development, Stepping into Leadership delivers

Leadership Tools

reflections on leadership, planning prompts and

IPPN’s research has identified that the top two

professional guidance on a fortnightly basis, as well

stressors for primary school leaders are sheer

as signposting where to access key information.

quantity of work and a lack of time to focus on

These key messages are designed to support and

teaching and learning. School leaders report that

guide the school leader, to manage self, to reflect on

they are consistently diverted from focusing on their

their leadership practice, and to assist their personal

core purpose by all the ‘stuff’ they have to do that

development.

has little or nothing to do with teaching and learning.

GROUP MENTORING

By way of response, IPPN has developed the following tools:

As part of the induction process to leadership, IPPN

The Leadership Effectiveness Reflection Tool

provides Group Mentoring to principals and deputy

n

within the school

principals in their second year in the role. This builds on the support that has been provided to newly

n

to ensure a more balanced practice of the leadership and management dimensions of the

appointed school leaders in their first year in the

role

role through the Tuiscint, Misneach, and Tánaiste programmes, and the one-to one mentoring service

to facilitate reflection on leadership practice

n

to promote a greater sharing or distribution of leadership.

provided by Oide.

Group Mentoring is designed to facilitate reflection

The P-I-E-W Capacity Planning Framework

on leadership practice in the company of peers

n

to maintain a focus on the school’s stated priorities

who are at the same stage on their leadership journey. Feedback and evaluations from ‘mentees’

n

to manage school improvement planning

has been very positive, with many expressing their

n

to control and manage the flow of initiatives into the school.

appreciation for the service and how it gave them renewed confidence, space and time for reflection and specific goals and plans to address various

A Guide to Leadership of Teaching and Learning

aspects of their work.

n

to promote reflection upon and to inform the practice of leadership of teaching and learning

n

to bring about a more balanced, distributed practice of leadership

n

to ensure a greater focus on our core business of teaching and learning.

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Resource Bundles IPPN Resources Bundles are where school leaders will find the answers and supporting documentation relating to the most common queries they encounter in the day-to-day management of their schools.

They are produced in an easy-to-use, interactive e-publication format and are hosted on ippn.ie and include: n

Communications

n

PIEW – the Capacity Planning Framework

n

Managing Safety, Health & Welfare in Schools

n

Data Protection

n

Recruitment – of teachers, SNAs, ancillary staff, assistant and deputy principals

n

Child Protection

n

Conflict Toolkit.

Sample Policies Here you will find sample policies that have been shared with IPPN by school leaders. Schools may consider using these sample policies as a starting point for the development of their own policy. It is important to remember that, while IPPN has reviewed these policies, the onus is on the school to ensure that any policy is up to date, and aligns with the latest circulars, guidance or legislation. All school policies should be ratified by the Board of Management prior to their publication.

Resources A range of template resources has been developed and shared by school leaders. They have been categorised with reference to the four domains of the quality framework for leadership and management and have been further organised within those domains into sub-folders, for ease of access.

Be Well, Lead Well: Burnout Prevention As part of IPPN’s Be Well, Lead Well campaign, IPPN commissioned a psychotherapist to develop a digital series exclusively for IPPN members.

Burnout Prevention was launched in Autumn 2025 and made available to members. It is a self-paced online 9-step course to help school leaders identify potential burnout and put steps in place to mitigate

the risks of burnout. The emphasis is on prevention by recognising the signs and symptoms of stress and burnout, with practical tips and downloadable resources.

Networking@ippn.ie is a ‘closed’ mailing list which facilitates a peer-to-peer support community. It has more than 3,000 subscribers. Several million emails are sent through the mailing list each year.

The advice@ippn.ie mailing list is for sensitive, confidential and non-generic queries, which are answered offline as an extension of the Leadership Support service.

The advocacy@ippn.ie mailing list is to facilitate members sharing their observations with IPPN on current issues impacting on leadership practice and on schools.

Information gleaned from all of these supports and services informs IPPN’s advocacy work.

A Guide to IPPN

E-Services EDUCATIONPOSTS.IE The leading website for education-related vacancy advertising across, pre-school, primary, post-primary and third-level sectors, the following functionality is supported. In the 2024/25 school year, almost 15,000 vacancies were advertised on the site.

or uploaded custom application forms. The portal functions in accordance with the Department of Education Information Note TC 0005/2023 and is specifically designed to reduce the administrative burden associated with recruitment. The portal facilitates

all

communication

with

applicants,

generates an audit trail, and prompts the appropriate retention and deletion of data. The functionality of the portal has been updated to allow school leaders to track applications and numbers of applicants, prior to the closing date.

SUB SEEKER Sub Seeker facilitates the short-term recruitment of teachers registered with the Teaching Council by primary and post primary schools. Teachers confirm availability for the next 10 working days. Schools can then search for relevant substitute teachers based on location and chosen dates. All teachers fully or partially matching the criteria will be listed. Schools

ONLINE APPLICATION PORTAL The Portal facilitates the acceptance of applications online using integrated Standard Application Forms

then send offer emails to one or more teachers.

As the system works on a ‘first come first served’ basis, the first teacher to accept the position will be successful. Public holidays and mandatory school

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TextaParent is a fast, reliable and cost-effective way for schools to send text messages and push notifications to parents and staff. closures are integrated into the Sub Seeker calendar, allowing availability to be set, and offers accepted, further into the future.

HOME-BASED SUMMER PROGRAMME NOTICEBOARD This allows Teachers and SNAs to post their availability for parents to view. Parents also have the option to

TEXTAPARENT.IE

create notices seeking Teachers and SNAs for homebased Summer Programme support in the home.

TextaParent is a fast, reliable and cost-effective way for schools to send text messages and push notifications to parents and staff. Messages can be sent in English or as Gaeilge instantly or scheduled to be delivered at a specific time and date. There are no set-up costs or monthly standing charges, and the school’s usage can be monitored with an instant

SCHOOL SUPPLIERS CATALOGUE The School Suppliers Catalogue is a valuable resource to primary schools and provides them with a comprehensive list of quality school suppliers.

reporting system.

SUMMER PROGRAMME PORTAL The Portal facilitates schools sourcing staff for the school-based summer programme. It allows Job Seekers (Teachers, SNAs, Students) to complete a form stating their availability and experience. Schools view and filter the entries by location, occupation, dates and experience, and contact Job Seekers directly.

School Supplie rs

2025

A Guide to IPPN 2026

Continuous Professional Development IPPN hosts local, regional and national CPD events for school leaders each year – conferences, shared learning days, a comprehensive online summer course, webinars and AGMs in each of the 31 IPPN city/county networks. These CPD events provided an opportunity to hear fresh thinking from leading figures in education and other sectors, to participate in stimulating workshops and to network with colleagues.

ANNUAL CONFERENCES The annual principals’ conference is held in November each year, and around 1,000 principals attend.

It comprises a combination of plenary sessions, seminars, networking opportunities, Be Well, Lead

become more involved with IPPN by representing their city/county network at National Council level.

EDUCATION EXPO AT IPPN CONFERENCES

Well sessions and the Education Expo.

Education Expo brings together school leaders and

The annual deputy principals’ conference is held

services to schools under one roof during the IPPN

in February each year and around 500 deputy principals attend. It is structured in the same way as the principals’ event.

AUTUMN CITY/COUNTY NETWORK MEETINGS There is an annual meeting of IPPN members held in each city/county network in September or October, bringing key updates, information on the ‘hot topics’ and offering support to members. It is an opportunity for members to meet their fellow principals and deputy principals. There is also an opportunity to

well over 100 companies providing supports and annual principals’ and deputy principals’ conferences.

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A Guide to IPPN

Advocacy OUR APPROACH We do this work through:

Stakeholder Development - building positive, collaborative relationships with the key stakeholders in education, to ensure that the challenges, concerns and opportunities relating to primary education and school leadership are fully understood.

Participation in Working Groups - IPPN is involved in a significant number working groups to progress the key challenges facing primary education and school leadership, including: n

Primary Education Forum (PEF) and its subcommittees

n

Oide Leadership Committee

n

Small School Action Research Project Steering

IPPN is also represented internationally on the Boards and Committees of: n

the International Confederation of Principals (ICP)

n

European School Heads Association (ESHA).

Position Papers and Submissions - IPPN uses position papers (unsolicited) and submissions (requested) to set out our vision for particular aspects of primary education. They are evidence-based and reflect the issues being experienced in schools. In recent years, IPPN has advocated with stakeholders on the following topics: n

Teacher Supply

n

Wellbeing of School Leaders

n

Special Educational Needs

Group n n

Summer Programme Steering Group Project Advisory Group on the Administrative Executive Pilot

n n

DEIS Advisory Group NCSE Consultative Forum

among many others.

l

Special class provision

l

Assessment of Need

l

Resourcing

l

SNA Workforce Development

l

Behaviours of Concern

l

Irish Sign Language supports.

n

Government Budget priorities

n

Child Protection

n

Summer works.

The full set of position papers and submissions is available in the Advocacy section of www.ippn.ie.

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RESEARCH IPPN conducts its own research and commissions independent research to determine the nature and depth of the issues in primary education, particularly in relation to school leadership and management.

The resulting research publications are used both to develop understanding of the issues, challenges and potential solutions among stakeholders, as well as to support school leaders directly in their work.

A significant driver of IPPN’s advocacy work and research has been our Sustainable Leadership Project. As part of this project, IPPN conducted an evidence-informed analysis of primary school leadership. That analysis identified: n

the extent to which the workload of school leaders was expanding year-on-year

n

the disproportionate focus of that workload on administrative and bureaucratic tasks

n

the impact of this on the effectiveness and sustainability of leadership roles

n

impact on reducing the workload of school leaders and creating more time to focus on teaching and learning.

Small Schools Clustering Action Research Project IPPN has supported this project through facilitation of two clusters of four schools and liaising with the wider project team through the National Coordinator.

Through this project, IPPN continues to advocate for national roll-out of approaches the clusters have found most helpful in supporting the leadership and management of small schools, not least the expansion of the Clustered Administrative Officer role, which is designed to ensure that key noneducational administrative tasks are undertaken by a skilled administrator across the cluster, and not by the leader of learning in the school.

The full set of research publications is available in the Advocacy section of our website.

the impact of this on the health and wellbeing of school leaders.

97% of the school leaders surveyed identified that what most undermined the sustainability of their roles is the number of tasks and responsibilities that divert their attention away from their core purpose as a school leader – the leadership of teaching and learning. A central focus of IPPN’s advocacy work has been on creating an awareness of this reality and proposing solutions that would enable a greater

LEADING FOR IMPACT: IPPN PODCAST Arising

from

the

Communications

work

of

committee

the

Advocacy

of

the

&

National

Council, IPPN has been trialling different ways of communicating with members and stakeholders on the importance of school leadership. Accordingly, the IPPN podcast – Leading for Impact was launched at the beginning of October 2025 with episodes available on 25+ podcast platforms. The series

focus on core purpose.

includes voices from within and outside education,

Administration Executive Pilot Project

school leadership, the challenges that arise and the

As a direct result of that advocacy work, the DEY has initiated the piloting of an Administrative Executive role in a small number of primary and post-primary schools. Each school in the pilot has employed an administrator to undertake a range of administrative and operational duties. The objective is to reduce the administrative burden of school leaders, to free up time for the leadership of teaching and learning, and to enhance the overall operation of the school.

The pilot will be evaluated in terms of its potential

exploring the experience of the practice of primary opportunities that present.

leading for

impact the

podcast

A Guide to IPPN

Strategic Priorities 2026-2030 LEADING FOR IMPACT Leading for Impact is the central theme of our strategic plan. It reflects IPPN’s belief that empowered and supported leadership is key to better outcomes for children, stronger school communities, and a more sustainable school leadership profession. To realise this impact, leadership must be recognised, enabled and resourced across the education system. The strategy sets out how IPPN will contribute to that goal

The following goals will guide IPPN’s work under this pillar: 1.1 To ensure school leaders have access to supports, services, tools and resources that enhance their leadership practice and role sustainability.

1.2 To support aspiring and emerging leaders in their preparation for leadership.

by supporting leadership practice, communicating

Communicating for Impact

insight and challenge, collaborating for practical

IPPN harnesses the power of its network to articulate

change, and evolving its own structures to lead by

the real experience and professional insight of school

example.

leaders in order to shape educational policy, practice and priorities.

STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK There are four ‘pillars’ that will guide IPPN’s work over the lifetime of the strategy. Each pillar is supported by clear goals, specific strategic actions, and measurable indicators of progress.

Supporting for Impact IPPN is committed to empowering school leaders to lead confidently and with impact because this changes what is possible for children, schools and communities.

The following goals will guide IPPN’s work under this pillar: 2.1 To promote and channel the collective experience and insight of school leaders to inform practice, shape policy and influence the sustainable implementation of system priorities.

2.2 To provide evidence informed communications to members, stakeholders and the wider public about key issues, sectoral developments and organisational priorities.

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IPPN builds strategic partnerships and coalitions of support to strengthen school leadership, to impact on the work of schools and to ultimately deliver better outcomes for all children.

Collaborating for Impact

Evolving for Impact

IPPN builds strategic partnerships and coalitions of

IPPN continues to evolve its structures, operations

support to strengthen school leadership, to impact

and

on the work of schools and to ultimately deliver

capacity, uphold credibility and remain a trusted

better outcomes for all children.

voice in Irish education.

The following goals will guide IPPN’s work under this

The following goals will guide IPPN’s work under this

pillar:

pillar:

3.1 To nurture and develop key partnerships that

4.1 To ensure that optimal structures, processes,

support the achievement of strategic objectives.

governance

to

strengthen

organisational

skillsets and leadership capacity are in place to

3.2 To work collaboratively across the education

deliver the organisation’s mission into the future.

sector to address shared challenges, deliver

4.2 To ensure that all elements of the organisation’s

impact and improve outcomes.

activities are aligned in service of mission.

VISION MISSION

VALUES

Evolving

Collaborating

Communicating

Supporting

CRITICAL ENABLERS

A Guide to IPPN

Governance & Structure of the Organisation IPPN is a company limited by guarantee. Membership of IPPN is open to all current serving Principals and Deputy Principals, whether in an acting capacity or otherwise, of primary schools in the Republic of Ireland. The membership is organised into 31 City/County Networks.

Each member belongs to the City/County Network in which their school is situated and each City/County Network elects three representatives to the National Council.

NATIONAL COUNCIL AND ITS COMMITTEES IPPN’s National Council n

ensures effective two-way communication between the National Council and the City/

n

n

n

Advocacy & Communications This committee is involved in the advocacy work of IPPN, informing and shaping IPPN’s engagement on relevant issues with the education stakeholders.

County Networks and Local Support Groups

Professional Development

represents the key professional issues, concerns

This committee impacts and shapes the professional

and needs of the member’s City/County

development opportunities that IPPN designs and

Network to the Board, National Council and its

delivers, ensuring that the CPD that members need

Committees and Working Groups

and want is provided.

assists the Board of Directors in developing IPPN policy

E-services

attends the Annual General Meeting of the

This committee impacts and shapes the web services

Company.

supports that IPPN offers to members, ensuring that those services do what members need them to do in

The 93 National Council representatives (3 from each of the 31 City/County Networks) serve on one of the three committees of the National Council:

terms of functionality and accessibility.

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS IPPN’s

Board

of

Directors

CHARITABLE STATUS has

the

principal

Since

2007,

IPPN

has

been

a

not-for-profit

responsibility for the governance of the organisation

organisation and a registered charity with CHY

and the achievement of its mission and has legal

number 17221.

accountability for its operations. As a group, the Board establishes a clear organisational mission through

the

development,

implementation

and

evaluation of a strategic plan. To access details of

TRIPLE LOCK STANDARD IPPN has been awarded the Triple Lock standard

IPPN’s Board, see https://www.ippn.ie/about-us/our-

by the Charities Institute of Ireland. Triple Lock

governance/board-of-directors/

status is awarded to charities that uphold the

THE SUPPORT OFFICE TEAM The CEO leads and manages the work of the Support Office team and all aspects of the organisation’s activities in service of the membership. To access details of IPPN’s team, see https://www.ippn.ie/about-us/our-team/

highest standards in transparent reporting, ethical fundraising, and strong governance structures.

CONTACT US We are keen to hear from school leaders and any other stakeholders who share our vision for primary education.

You can contact us through one of the media below.

General Enquiries  +353 21 4824070  1800 21 22 23 I CONS

&

S OC IA L

ME DIA

LOGOS

 info@ippn.ie

FOR

BUSIN E SS

CA RD

 www.ippn.ie  @IPPN

@IPPN_Education

IPPN National Support Office Glounthaune Co. Cork T45 P406 More information about IPPN and the supports and services we offer to school leaders is available on our website www.ippn.ie.

Charitable Status IPPN is a non-profit organisation and a registered charity with CHY number 17221