Survey by One Family, The Separation Network and WHAT WORKS (Department of Children, Disability and Equality)

6th July 2026 – for immediate release

Parents and teachers across Ireland are being asked to complete a new, national survey which will be used to develop new guidelines for primary schools to best support families and children through separation, divorce and other family changes.

Parents can complete the survey if:

• They live in Ireland.
• Have a child/children currently in primary school or who attended primary school between 2022-2025.
• Are a lone parent, separated, divorced, sharing parenting, a step-parent, a legal guardian or kinship carer.

School staff can complete the survey, including:

• School principals.
• Teachers.
• SNAs.
• School secretaries.
• Any person working in the school.

The survey is open until Friday 31st July and both surveys are available here.

Aisling Kelly, Parenting Manager, One Family said:
“We’re really happy to bring this opportunity to parents nationally. We know for the direct support we give to one-parent families at One Family how necessary this survey is. The end goal is to develop guidelines for schools, so they can be supported to help families through times of transition and to also help families be supported during what can be a stressful or difficult time. One in four families with children in Ireland is a one-parent family, so it’s not uncommon. We want to make sure that schools are equipped and empowered with the tools to navigate times of family change and that families across Ireland can be met with understanding, empathy and help.”

Geraldine Kelly, The Separation Network said:
“Family separation can represent a profound loss for children, who may be grieving the life they once knew while adjusting to new family dynamics across two homes. These emotional experiences can significantly impact a child’s wellbeing, sense of belonging and ability to engage in learning. This research is a vital first step in supporting schools to recognise and respond to the diverse realities of children’s lives. By equipping teachers and schools with practical guidance, we can help ensure children feel understood, included and proud of their family form, while supporting both parents to remain meaningfully involved in their child’s school life. Ultimately, our shared goal is to strengthen school communities so they can better support children at vulnerable times of family change.”

Quote from What Works:
“The Department of Children, Disability and Equality’s What Works initiative, funded by the Dormant Accounts Fund, is pleased to support this new, national survey to support both families and schools through separation and changes to family form. Findings from the survey will support a coordinated, evidence-based approach to developing guidelines for families, schools and other professionals.”

[ENDS]
For more information, please contact Vicky Masterson, One Family Communications Manager on 083 447 0645 / vmasterson@onefamily.ie

Notes to Editor:

This survey is supported by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality as part of the What Works Initiative, which is funded by the Dormant Accounts Fund.

1. One Family is Ireland’s organisation for people parenting alone, sharing parenting, and separating. We have been working with one-parent families for over 50 years. We provide a range of direct services to parents and children, along with campaigning and advocating for legislative and social change to deliver true equality for all families. Services include direct family support, parenting courses, New Futures employability programme, AskOneFamily helpline and counselling for those experiencing an unplanned or crisis pregnancy. You can learn more about One Family at www.onefamily.ie
2. The Separation Network was established to ensure that the well-being and voices of children remain central to family separation, divorce, and relationship breakdown. You can learn more about The Separation Network at https://rainbowsireland.ie/separation-network/about-us
3. WHAT WORKS is an initiative led by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, with funding from Dormant Accounts, to support a move towards evidence informed prevention and early intervention services for children, young people and their families.