Policy on Career Breaks for Teachers

	A permanent member of the teaching staff of Holy Family N.S. may apply for a Career Break, as per the conditions set out in Circular 6/01. While referring to this Circular, an application for a Career Break and other forms of long-term leave will be examined under the additional points laid out in this policy: 1) As a general principle every effort will be made by the BOM to facilitate applications for Career Breaks and other forms of Leave from members of the teaching staff. 2) While recognising a teacher's desire to take Leave for whatever reason, it will be recognised that the welfare and educational needs of pupils shall take precedence over all other considerations. 3) Should a teacher wish, the reason for taking Leave need only be made known to the Principal and/or Chairperson of the BOM. 4) The maximum number of teachers on Leave (including Career Break, Exchange, Leave of Absence, Study Leave, Job Sharing and Secondment) in any school year shall not exceed 2 of the staff. Exceptions to this quota may be made where specific personal/family circumstances prevail. 5) Where the number of applications for any form of long-term Leave (including the extension of existing arrangements) exceed the available quota, such applications will be considered on their merit by the Principal, Chairperson and one external assessor, appointed with the agreement of those involved. In the event of this happening, the assessment process will be agreed in detail by the people involved. This policy will be reviewed when the term of office of this BOM ends.

Holy Family National School Rathcoole County Dublin