Frequently Asked Questions?
Do I need to speak Irish to send my child to a Naíscoil?
No. You don’t need to be fluent in Irish, or even to speak Irish at all, for your child/ren to attend a naíscoil. In fact over 95% of parents with children in Irish-medium education have very little or no Irish. For parents who are interested in learning Irish, having a child at the naíscoil is a good way to learn a little bit of the language yourself. But whatever your own experience of Irish, we will provide resources to help you support your child’s language journey.
What are the benefits of a bilingual education?
A bilingual education gives your child the gift of two languages. Research has shown that having two languages from an early age helps cognitive and academic development, improves problem solving abilities, and makes it easier for them to learn additional languages. Bilingual education also has community and social benefits as children become oart of a young vibrant Irish-speaking community.
Does sending my child to a Naíscoil mean that you must send them to an Irish-medium primary school?
No. The Naíscoil provides an excellent opportunity for parents to try Irish-medium education. Even if you opt to send your child to an English-speaking primary school your child will have benefited from an enriching experience.
Will my child’s English education sufffer?
No. The research show that children who are bilingual actually perform better at both English and Maths by the end of their primary education.
