Primary School Study

CSL

Exploring the lived experiences of children in Irish primary schools

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About

Ireland’s first in-depth study of primary schools contributing to the development of national policy, informed by the voices of children, their families, their teachers and school leaders.

Commissioned by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) Children’s School Lives Study (CSL) is conducted by UCD School of Education.

A landmark study, it explores the lived experiences of over 4000 children in 189 primary schools across Ireland from Spring 2019 – Spring 2024.

CSL follows two age cohorts - children who started second class in 2018 and children who transitioned from pre-school into Junior Infants in 2019.

Our focus is on a rich and detailed understanding of children’s learning, their wellbeing and engagement and their experiences of equality, diversity and inclusion. We consider the factors that influence these experiences in their homes and local communities, their schools and their classrooms.

CSL provides an in-depth and comprehensive overview of policy and practice in our primary schools.  The study will inform the NCCA’s work in reviewing and updating the primary curriculum to ensure it continues to provide a strong foundation for teaching and learning.

 

 

Research Design

The CSL study uses a cross- sequential longitudinal design, producing a rich
set of mixed methods data. This is generated through a nationally representative quantitative study and in-depth case studies of a sub-sample of schools.

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Ethics & Data Protection

The Children’s School Lives Study has been approved by the University College Dublin Human Research Ethics Committee.

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FUNDERS & STAKEHOLDERS

International experts in specific areas of research design and researching with children are involved in advising the CSL team on their study methods.

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