Anseo.net Primary Round-Up with Simon Lewis

On today's podcast, Nov 11 2026, I'll be talking about:- The overnight breakthrough that led to Thursday’s strikes being called off; outline of the deal (broadly in line with inflation, a small back pay "sweetener", running to 2029 with scope for extra percentages if inflation rises), the upcoming vote, and relief among teachers and SNAs about returning to work and avoiding unpaid strike days.- This week’s Unconvention with journalist Mary McCarthy: well‑thought‑out proposals on longer school days with longer lunch, external specialists (PE/Irish/drama/music) and supervised lunchtimes to reduce intensity; initial spiky reactions and a call to hear the ideas and consider how different countries structure school days.

On today's podcast, Nov 10 2026, I'll be talking about:- the ongoing strike, government claims about their latest offer, and shifting public sentiment- Freedom of Information figures indicating over half of schools have at least one pupil opted out of religious instruction- the lack of Department guidance and resources for schools on arranging opt-outs, and the need to consider moving faith formation outside school hours

On today's podcast, Nov 09 2026, I'll be talking about:- The latest on industrial action negotiations, the government's substantially improved offer, and uncertainty over any strike being called off.- My Unconvention project reaching its final week, running in parallel to the Convention on Education.- Exploring a longer school day: lengthening lunch breaks and PE without extending teachers’ working time, and inviting views on how it could work.

On today's podcast, Nov 06 2026, I'll be talking about:- Rolling strike action by teachers- Google's AI and schoolchildren- Oireachtas committee on school transport- Religious patronage in schools- Education research summit insights

On today's podcast, Nov 05 2026, I'll be talking about:- Upcoming strike and rallies on 12th November- New circular on School Self-Evaluation (SSE)- Interview with Karen Fisher on school patronage

On today's podcast, Nov 03 2026, I'll be talking about:- Legal action by special schools against the Department of Education- Announcement of a strike date by INTO and unions- Discussion on voluntary contributions in schools

On today's podcast, Nov 02 2026, I'll be talking about:- Upcoming strike action and public sector negotiations- Media influence on education policy and special education plans- Diversity challenges in the teaching profession

On today's podcast, Oct 23 2026, I'll be talking about:- Extension for primary school survey engagement- Parental preferences for multi-denominational schools- Department of Education's response to survey results- Challenges faced by school principals- Criticism of the survey's effectiveness- Potential implications for religious schools- Broader issues of school ethos and parental influence

On today's podcast, Oct 22 2026, I'll be talking about:- New guidelines for the school meals programme- Teacher shortages and unfilled posts in Cork- NCCA's new interactive site and intercultural guidelines- Weather warnings and school decision-making

On today's podcast, Oct 21 2026, I'll be talking about:- INTO securing funding for disability services- Inclusion challenges in schools- Reflections on an equality and education conference- Religious discrimination in the education system- Legal protections for LGBT teachers

On today's podcast, Oct 20 2026, I'll be talking about:- Health and safety issues with school lunch providers- Threatening emails to schools in Northern Ireland- Pay talks and productivity measures in education

On today's podcast, Oct 19 2026, I'll be talking about:- Averted strike and public pay talks- ESRI report on poverty and reading scores- Government plans for a New Brunswick-style model in Irish schools