Info Bulletin 08/24
Re: Circular: 0041/2024: Guidance in Post-Primary Schools AND Information Note: 0003/2024: in relation to the storage and transfer of guidance-counselling notes.
Link to Circular 0041/2024: https://www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/291499/13a85f57-f437-483f-8d2e-d32951963d97.pdf#page=null
The purpose of this circular is to provide post-primary schools with information to support well-informed implementation of whole-school guidance planning and practice.
This circular on guidance is the first of its kind. Catalysed by evolutions in policy relating to lifelong guidance, Junior Cycle reform, redevelopment of Senior Cycle and publication of the Wellbeing Policy Statement and Framework for Practice, this circular integrates and centralises policy relating to guidance in post-primary schools.
Whole-school guidance (WSG)
· The contemporary model for guidance in post-primary schools, focusing on personal/social development, educational development, and career development.
· An inclusive approach to guidance planning allows for a continuum of support, providing guidance for all, for some, and for a few based on individual needs.
· A WSG plan should be created based on the identified needs of students and parents/guardians/carers, and it should be evaluated, reviewed, and updated annually.
· Career-management skills and employer engagement are important aspects of guidance, and exposure to the world of work can help inform educational and career choices.
The allocation for guidance is outlined in detail in Information Note TC 0008/2023, Information Note 0009/2023 and Circular 0041/2024. These documents include detailed information on the allocation of time for guidance activities, including individual student appointments, guidance lessons/modules, and other guidance-related activities. (Links to the information notes 0008 and 0009 are embedded in Circular 0041/2024.)
See relevant Information Notes:
0001/2024: Information Note in relation to Whole-School Guidance
0009/2023: Information Note in relation to Whole-School-Guidance Provision at Junior Cycle
0008/2023: Information Note in relation to Personal & Social Guidance Counselling
0003/2024: Information Note for Principals, Guidance Counsellors and Guidance Teams in relation to the storage and transfer of guidance-counselling notes
Link to Key Publications in Guidance: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/6e4d3-current-guidance-material/
he document provides schools with information about the storage and transfer of guidance-counsellor notes when the guidance counsellor is no longer able to store them, such as in the case of retirement or resignation. It also addresses GDPR issues and the confidential nature of guidance counselling and child-protection guidelines.
Guidance-counselling notes contain personal data and should be retained by schools for no longer than necessary, in accordance with GDPR principles.
GDPR and guidance-counselling notes: The school board of management is the data controller and must ensure appropriate technical and organisational measures are in place for the processing of personal data. The GDPR emphasises the need for specific protection for children's personal data, and schools should consider this when developing policies and procedures. Robust processes and procedures should be in place for securely storing and transferring guidance-counselling notes.
Transfer of guidance-counselling notes: Schools have a duty to ensure ongoing access to appropriate guidance, even when there is a change in personnel. Transparency is important in informing students and parents that the board of management is responsible for guidance-counsellor records and that incoming guidance counsellors will have access to the records of outgoing guidance counsellors. Schools should establish procedures and provide clarity to comply with transparency obligations.
Please note that the above points in 0003/0024 are already covered in our ACCS Data Protection Policy for Schools. and as such your school may already be meeting these requirements if you are implementing the policy.
The policy relates to how schools should gather, store, transfer and generally process all personal data gathered by the school, and it specifically refers to counsellor notes at Appendix 5, section 4.
Having the policy available to parents also complies with transparency obligations. The policy informs parents of their right to access the personal data relating to them or their child which is being processed by the school.
Is mise, le mór mheas,
John Irwin, GENERAL SECRETARY.
Addenda: