Kill National School

The National Parents Council

Who are the National Parents Council?

The National Parents Council (NPC) is the representative organization for parents of children in primary or early education. This education can take place in a setting of parental choice. Some parents choose to educate their children in a variety of school or preschool settings while others may choose to educate their children at home.

The National Parents Council was set up in 1985 under the programme for Government, as the representative organization for parents of children attending primary school, and received statutory recognition in the 1998 Education Act.

The National Parents Council has charitable status and is a company limited by guarantee. It has a board of directors and employs a chief executive and staff.

NPC Mission Statement

National Parents Council Primary is established to contribute to the advancement of the early education and primary education of all children, in order to improve and enrich the education of each child and to support the involvement of parents in all stages of education.

NPC Services

NPC services are aimed at empowering parents so that they can support their children in all aspects of their early and primary education.

1. Information/Helpline

The NPC Information/Helpline is a national confidential service for parents. The helpline staff listen and give information and support to parents to help them make the best possible decisions for and with their children.
The helpline is available on 01 - 8874477 and is open from

• 10am - 5pm Monday to Wednesday
• 10am - 4pm Thursday to Friday

They are also available on e-mail: helpline@npc.ie
There are also answers to frequently asked questions on the NPC website www.npc.ie

2. Training and Development Programmes

The NPC training and development programme is a national programme of training, development and support for parents. The purpose is to empower parents to play and active part in their child's education. The Parent Association training helps parent associations work effectively within the school community. Other NPC training programmes enable parents to support their children throughout their primary education.

3. NPC Website

The NPC website www.npc.ie aims to provide parents with information regarding primary education. The website:

• Keeps parents up to date with issues in education through news feeds
• Provides answers to frequently asked questions
• Gives parents the opportunity to give NPC their views regarding primary education issues
• Provides up to date information regarding NPC training programmes
• Makes available NPC publications which can be downloaded or purchased\
• Provides information for migrant parents in five languages; Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Urdu.

4. Advocating for and representing parents in the education debate
5. Facilitating and supporting the development of Parent Associations.