Looking for information on Extra Personal Vacation (EPV) days? All your answers are right here!
If you’re a primary teacher in Ireland searching for EPV days, approved EPV courses, or how to maximise your paid leave, this complete guide brings everything together in one clear, practical place. It explains how EPV days work, how to earn them, and most importantly how to choose courses that actually make a difference in your classroom.
What are EPV Days?
EPV (Extra Personal Vacation) days are additional paid leave days that primary school teachers in Ireland can earn by completing Department of Education-approved summer courses. Instead of being automatic, EPV days reward teachers for engaging in continuing professional development (CPD).
In simple terms: you invest time in your professional learning during the summer, and in return, you gain extra time off during the school year.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Choosing a course not DES-approved
- ❌ Leaving booking too late (popular ones fill fast)
- ❌ Assuming you can take days anytime (school rules matter)
- ❌ Picking random “easy” courses that don’t help your career
Make the most of your EPV days!
Choosing the Right EPV course:
Not all EPV courses offer the same value. The most beneficial courses are those that directly improve your day-to-day teaching practice and respond to the realities of modern classrooms.
High-impact areas include:
- Special Educational Needs (SEN)
- Autism and ADHD
- Classroom strategies
- Student and teacher wellbeing
- Inclusive and differentiated teaching approaches
These areas are increasingly essential within Irish schools.
How Many EPV Days Can I Earn?
The number of EPV days you receive depends on how many approved courses you complete:
- 1 course earns 3 EPV days
- 2 courses earn 4 EPV days
- 3 courses earn 5 EPV days (maximum)
This means teachers can gain up to a full working week of additional leave each year.
Who Can Get EPV Days?
EPV days are available to primary school teachers in Ireland who complete Department of Education-approved courses. EPV leave must be approved by their principal or the Board of Management
When Can EPV Days be Taken?
While policies vary between schools, some common restrictions may be:
- Limited availability in September and June
- Limits on how many staff can be absent on the same day
- Advance planning required
Because of this, forward planning is essential if you want to use your days effectively.
What are EPV Courses Like?
Most EPV courses are completed during the summer months and are designed to be manageable alongside time off. These are some features of Actualise Academy online courses:
- Around 20 hours in duration
- Delivered online and self-paced
- Structured through videos, short tasks, and a final assignment
While many courses meet the minimum requirement, their quality and usefulness can vary significantly.
Why Actualise Academy EPV Courses Stand Out
With so many providers available, the key difference lies in how useful a course actually is once you return to the classroom. This is where Actualise Academy distinguishes itself.
Rather than offering generic or purely theoretical content, Actualise Academy focuses on the real challenges teachers face every day.
A Focus on Real Classroom Needs
Our courses centre on practical issues such as behaviour, anxiety, autism, and emotional wellbeing. These are areas that teachers regularly encounter, making the learning immediately relevant and applicable.
Evidence Based Approach
Actualise Academy integrates educational psychology, neuroscience, and behavioural science into its content. This means teachers not only learn strategies, but also understand the reasoning behind them, leading to more confident and effective application.
Alignment with School Priorities
Irish schools are placing increasing emphasis on inclusion, wellbeing, and positive behaviour. Courses that support these priorities are particularly valuable, both for classroom practice and whole-school development.
Practical and Actionable Learning
A major strength of Actualise courses is their focus on usable strategies. Teachers finish with clear, realistic approaches they can implement immediately, rather than abstract ideas that are difficult to apply.
Flexible and Manageable Structure
The courses are fully online and designed to fit around the summer period. The workload is structured and achievable, allowing teachers to balance professional development with rest.
Are EPV Courses Worth it?
EPV courses are absolutely worthwhile! But only when chosen carefully. Some courses are designed simply to meet requirements, offering minimal long-term benefit. Others, however, can significantly improve your teaching, confidence, and ability to support students. The difference comes down to selecting courses that are relevant, practical, and aligned with the needs of today’s classrooms.
EPV days provide a valuable opportunity: not just for additional leave, but for meaningful professional growth. While many providers will allow you to earn the required days, the real benefit comes from choosing courses that enhance your teaching and support your students. If you are planning your EPV courses this year, the goal should not simply be to gain days off but to invest in learning that genuinely improves your classroom experience.
_______________
Actualise Academy offers expertly crafted resources developed by seasoned professionals in psychology and education, designed to support your teaching success, completely free of charge!
Found this Resource useful? Check out our EPV Summer courses here.
Leave a Reply