Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board (LWETB) is highlighting the findings of the Department of Education and Youth’s recent Primary School Survey and the options available to families seeking multi-denominational primary education.

The survey gathered information from parents and guardians about the primary schools their children currently attend or may attend in the future. It received responses from 241,301 households nationwide, representing 49.5% of all eligible households. The results indicated that around 40% of parents whose children attend a religious-denomination primary school would prefer their child to attend a multi-denominational school.

For LWETB, the findings underline the importance of ensuring that families can access information about the different types of primary education available in their communities. Cornamaddy Community National School is one such option, offering a multi denominational approach to primary education in Athlone, under the patronage of LWETB.

“Commenting on the findings, Chief Executive of LWETB, Ms Siobhán Lynch, said: “The survey provides valuable insight into the views of parents and guardians and offers an opportunity for school communities to consider the future of primary education in their areas. Any discussions about change must take account of local needs and the views of those directly affected. LWETB will continue to support schools and communities as they explore the options available to them. Cornamaddy Community National School is an example of how ETB patronage can support a diverse and inclusive local education system.”

Goodness Me, Goodness You! (GMGY) Curriculum

Goodness Me, Goodness You! (GMGY) is the patron’s curriculum for Community National Schools. It is a multi-belief and values curriculum comprising four strands: My Stories, Thinking Time, We are a CNS and Beliefs and Religions. All four strands are taught from Junior Infants to Sixth Class, with lessons tailored to the children’s age and stage of development.

The curriculum reflects and values children’s identities, beliefs, family backgrounds and experiences. By encouraging children to share their own stories and learn about the perspective of others, GMGY promotes mutual respect, understanding and a sense of belonging within the school community.  

Yvonne Naughton, Principal of Cornamaddy Community National School, said: “At Cornamaddy CNS, GMGY has been a wonderful addition to our classrooms, encouraging every child to participate, share their experiences and learn from others. It also brings our Core Values of Respect, Care, Equality, Community and Excellence in Education to life through children’s everyday learning and interactions. The programme plays an important role in helping our pupils understand themselves and the world around them”

Acting on the Survey Results  

The Department of Education and Youth notified primary schools of the survey results in June and advised them that they have until 31 October 2026 to decide whether they wish to be included in the first group of schools to act on the findings.

Schools are to consult with their school communities and notify both the Department and their current patron by that date if they wish to explore a change in patronage in September 2027.

Photography: in-house. Pictured is Yvonne Naughton, Principal Cornamaddy CNS (third from the right) with teachers from Cornamaddy CNS holding pictures of the four strands of the GMGY! Curriculum.