Official Department Guidelines & Teacher Resources
Governance Manual for Primary Schools 2023–2027: School Governance, CPD, and EPV Days Explained
The Governance Manual for Primary Schools 2023–2027 serves as the central operational framework for every Board of Management (BOM) and primary principal across Ireland. While its core purpose is ensuring statutory compliance, school finance oversight, and transparent school administration, it plays a vital role in determining how schools manage continuing professional development (CPD), teacher absences, and Extra Personal Vacation (EPV) days.
For primary teachers undertaking Department of Education approved Summer CPD courses to earn EPV days, understanding the board’s responsibilities and school policy procedures ensures a seamless process from course completion to approved leave.
Key Takeaways for Primary Teachers & Leaders
- Employer Oversight: The Board of Management acts as the direct employer of teachers and is accountable for implementing Department circulars regarding staff leave and teacher professional development.
- Sanctioning EPV Days: While the Department of Education sets the qualification criteria for EPV days via approved summer courses, the granting of leave is subject to the Board’s discretion and the operational needs of the school.
- Curriculum & CPD Alignment: The manual emphasises the Board’s duty to support staff development that directly aligns with School Self-Evaluation (SSE), national curricular priorities, and school improvement plans.
- Clear Internal Notice: Standard procedures require teachers to plan their EPV days in advance to ensure pupil supervision, child safeguarding, and minimal disruption to learning.
How School Governance Intersects with EPV Days and Summer CPD
Primary school teachers often ask: “Once I finish my 20-hour Department-approved summer course, is my EPV day guaranteed?”
Under the governance framework outlined by the Department:
- Course Eligibility: Teachers must complete a recognised, quality-assured summer course approved by the Department of Education to be awarded a Certificate of Completion.
- EPV Entitlement: Completing one course confers an entitlement of up to 3 EPV days, two courses confer 4 days, and three courses confer 5 days (subject to overall Department maximum limits per school year).
- Board Sanction & Local Policy: Under the Governance Manual, the Board of Management, via the Principal, manages day-to-day school operations. EPV days cannot be taken during sensitive school periods (such as standardised testing windows or early September), and the Board must maintain a robust whole-school policy regarding staff leave.
Looking to Earn Your EPV Days This Summer?
Our online Summer CPD courses are fully Department of Education approved for EPV day entitlements. Designed specifically for Irish primary teachers, our practical courses fit around your summer schedule while delivering actionable classroom resources.
Frequently Asked Questions: Governance, CPD & Leave
Can a Board of Management refuse an EPV day request?
Under the governance guidelines, the granting of EPV leave is subject to the welfare and educational needs of the pupils. While the qualification is earned via an approved course, the timing of the leave must be approved by the Principal/Board to ensure adequate supervision and continuity of teaching.
What records should a teacher provide to the school?
Upon completing your summer CPD, you will receive an official Certificate of Completion detailing your course hours and EPV day entitlement. This certificate should be presented to your principal for the school’s leave records.
Why should summer CPD align with school planning?
Boards of Management are encouraged to support teacher training that matches the school’s strategic priorities—such as the Primary Curriculum Framework, Wellbeing in Education, STEM, or Modern Foreign Languages (MFL).