ACCS/Info Bulletin 07/26
The Secretary,
Board of Management and
School Principal in
each Community and Comprehensive School.
Members of the Executive of ACCS.
ACCS/Info Bulletin 07/26.
Re: ACCS Briefing for Boards of Management & School Leaders (January 2026).
This bulletin summarises key updates from the January 2026 briefing. Supporting materials, recordings, and related bulletins are linked below. See also attached recent FSSU communication to schools regarding revised rates of pay for Bus Escorts 2025/2026 (En) (Ga).
Link to Recording & Slides:
Briefing Topics included:
Professional Learning Programme and Upcoming Events:
Child Protection Training - February 3rd, 2026 (7-8.30pm)
SEN Webinar, February 10th, online (9.30-11.00 am)
Middle Leaders Cohort 6 R2 - 10th & 11th February Mullingar Park Hotel
Education Sub-Committee Webinar, February 24th, (4-5.30 pm)
ACCS Convention - 4th-6th March 2026
Senior Cycle Curriculum and Assessment Updates:
Agricultural Science Consultations (February to April 2026).
Draft specification for physical science is under development.
Home Economics Assessment: ongoing discussions about including a practical food skills examination.
Senior Cycle Pathways Project:14 Participating Schools including Scoil Chuimsitheach Chiaráin & Pobalscoil na Tríonóide.
Coursework Briefs and Sample Papers: (tranche one subjects, including six revised and two new subjects).
Feedback and Queries: curriculumonline.ie website and SEC.
RACE Accommodations and Examination Arrangements: New interim arrangements for RACE 2026, including an additional 10 minutes per written exam for eligible candidates, additional Examination Aide days and possible appointment of a RACE Superintendent for schools with large numbers of special exam candidates. SEC to issue further guidance in February.
Human Resources:
Job Sharing, Career Breaks, and Secondments - See Info Bulletin.
Competency-Based Recruitment and Clerical Officer In-Service: (March 2026)
Recruitment Platform Transition: publicjobs.ie
Domestic Violence and Abuse Policy: Boards to formally adopt and communicate the policy to all staff.
Payroll and Pension Updates:
Extension of the abatement waiver for retired teachers allowing up to 50 days of work per year without pension impact.
Auto-Enrolment: My Future Fund portal, ensure communication with all employees.
Pending publication of the CID survey, which will revise the qualifying period for initial CID.
Ongoing work revising the Dignity at Work Policy in consultation with unions.
School Administration: Census, Grants, and Communication Systems: Note non-teaching staff census deadline (Jan 31st), the distribution of ICT grants, improvements to the Online Claims System (OLCS) customer contact process, and the need to communicate payroll changes and census returns, referencing relevant links and support contacts.
Governance, Attendance, and Board Communication:
Board Meeting Minutes and Patron Communication.
Child Protection Training - Mandatory for Board members.
Individual Board Training - Contact ACCS Head Office.
Patron Engagement: AJP communication to schools.
Standardised School Year Circular - imminent.
Attendance Data Returns: Schools should prioritise focus on attendance.
NIMS - Accident Reporting in Schools.
Special Classes and Emergency Works:
Special Class Sanction: DEY is currently issuing letters of sanction. Contact ACCS if building work required.
Building Works and Compliance: (SWS) March 1st, deadline. PSDP (safety), requirement. Compliance checks focusing on proper documentation.
Emergency Works Appeals: Contact ACCS where refused. Appeals procedure.
Miscellaneous Initiatives and Information:
European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusive Education Webinar, February 5th.
Safer Internet Day focusing on AI.
Stand Up Awareness Week feedback.
Is mise,
le mór mheas,
Áine O’Sullivan,
GENERAL SECRETARY,
ACCS