[Leagan Gaeilge ar fáil ach cliceáil ar an GA thuas]
Information for Parents [Updated 17/01/2023]
This section provides helpful information and guidance for parents on children in settings during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The HSE are reporting a large increase in viral and bacterial infections among children and young people this winter. As Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School-Age Childcare (SAC) services operate this winter, it is important for babies, toddlers and young children that child-centredness continues to be a basis for how we develop our response for children. When all the child’s most important adults—parents and practitioners—work together, going to childcare can be a positive experience for everyone
Everyone will need to remain vigilant and continue to follow Public Health guidance.
- HSE Flu, Covid-19 and RSV Memo: 20230105 HSE memo to ELC and SAC services.pdf
- School, childcare and COVID-19 - HSE.ie
- https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/lifestages/childcare/File,13444,en.pdf
- HSE Viral and Bacterial Infections Memo: 20221207-HSE_Memo_CCFs.pdf
- MyChild Web Poster [English] [Irish]
- MyChild Print Poster [English] [Irish]
- have symptoms of COVID-19
- have got a positive COVID-19 test result
- have diarrhoea and are aged 12 or younger
- only have nasal symptoms, such as a runny nose or a sneeze, but otherwise feel well
- have tested negative and have not had any new symptoms for 48 hours
- have not had diarrhoea for 48 hours
- Supporting your child's transition to primary school - [Download document here]
- Teaching new skills to children - [Download document here]
- Emotional Well-being, (Barnardos) - [Download here]
- What to look for in an Early Years Service (Barnardos) - Download here
- What to look for in a Service outside of School (School Age Childcare) (Barnardos) - Download here
- Choosing Early Learning and Childcare (DCEDIY)
Key messages
When to keep your child at home from school or childcare
Keep your child at home if they:
When it's OK to send your child to school or childcare
It is usually OK to send your child to school or childcare if they:
The HSE are seeing a significant increase in the rates of RSV infection; a respiratory virus which causes Bronchiolitis in young children. Symptoms of bronchiolitis usually include a runny/blocked nose, mild fever and cough. In babies, however,it can cause more significant difficulties in breathing and feeding and young babies are more likely to need hospital care. More details on Bronchiolitis can be found here: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/bronchiolitis/
Communicate openly, early and often
Talk to your child and remind them that they should talk to grown-ups if something makes them happy/sad or they feel sick.
Choosing Early Learning and School Age Childcare
City/County Childcare Committees (CCCs) are your first contact point for the provision of general information and support in relation to the operation of early learning and care and school-age childcare. You can find your local CCC contact details on www.myccc.ie
FAQs will continue to be updated at appropriate intervals