What is DEIS?
DEIS stands for Delivering Equality of Opportunity In Schools.
Its purpose is simple: every young person should have the same chance to thrive, no matter where they start.
For families, DEIS means extra supports in school.
Depending on the school, these can include additional staffing, funding for learning and wellbeing programmes, school meals, a Home School Community Liaison (HSCL) Coordinator, and School Completion supports.
Feel free to get in touch and ask us about what is currently running at our school.
The 8 DEIS Themes
Our DEIS Action Plan is organised around eight themes.
Each has clear targets that we review regularly.
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Attendance
Students learn best when they are here. We track attendance, celebrate improvement, and reach out early and kindly when a student is missing school, always to understand what is behind it and how we can help.
At home: Let us know about absences or worries early. A quick call is always welcome.
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Retention
We want every student to stay in school and complete their Leaving Certificate (or equivalent). Students who are at risk of leaving early get extra check-ins and a trusted adult they can talk to.
At home: Talk about long-term goals. Staying in school keeps more doors open.
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Transitions
Big moves are easier with a plan. That covers the step from primary to first year, Junior to Senior Cycle, and from school to college, apprenticeship, training or work. We offer guidance, information and support at each step.
At home: Come to information nights and guidance meetings. Ask about options like apprenticeships and PLC courses.
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Examination Attainment
We aim for every student to reach their full potential in state exams, and to feel prepared. That means study skills, homework support, revision help and positive encouragement, not just marks.
At home: Help set a calm routine for homework and revision, and celebrate effort as well as results.
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Literacy
Reading, writing and speaking confidently help in every subject. We support literacy across the whole school, with reading initiatives, subject vocabulary and extra help for students who need it.
At home: Encourage reading of any kind, such as books, news, sports pages or audiobooks, and chat about what they read.
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Numeracy
Maths is a life skill, from budgeting to measuring to reading data. We build numeracy confidence across subjects, using real-world examples and targeted support so no one feels left behind.
At home: Point out everyday maths: prices, times, recipes, distances. Keep it positive.
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Partnership with Parents & Others
You know your child best.
We work with families, local primary schools, community groups, services and employers, because students do best when home, school and community pull together. Our HSCL Coordinator is a key link between families and the school.
At home: Tell us what is working and what is not. Your voice shapes our plans.
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Wellbeing
A student who feels safe, valued and connected is ready to learn. We promote wellbeing through relationships, pastoral care, student supports and activities that build confidence, belonging and resilience.
At home: If your child seems worried, tired or withdrawn, please tell us. We will work with you.
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Student-Centred Planning
DEIS is not a set of boxes to tick.
It is a cycle that begins and ends with your child.
Every action has to answer one question: “How does this help our students learn, belong and succeed?”
- We look at the evidence. Attendance, results, reading and maths data, and wellbeing feedback show where students need more help.
- We listen. Students, parents, guardians, and staff tell us what is working and what is not. Student voice shapes what we do.
- We set clear targets. Each theme has specific goals, so we can tell if things are improving.
- We act. Supports are matched to the needs of individual students and year groups, not one-size-fits-all.
- We review and adjust. We check progress, share it with staff and the Board of Management, and change what is not working.
The eight themes also connect. Better attendance helps literacy and numeracy, which help exam results, which help progression. Wellbeing and partnership with parents underpin all of it.