A toolkit designed to help schools create more inclusive, supportive environments for children in care is to be launched.
The resource provides educators with "practical steps" to ensure students receive the support they need to stay in school and thrive.
According to research by the Central Statistics Office, 28% of care-experienced young people who started post-primary education between 2013 and 2016 left school early without completing the Leaving Certificate.
That is compared to just 8% of all children.
The gap demonstrates the urgent need for targeted school support, according to Empowering People in Care (EPIC) - the rights-based organisation advocating with and for children in care, young care leavers and those with experience of the care system up to the age of 26.
EPIC said the toolkit, called 'Take Care', will provide principals, teachers, and school staff with the knowledge and tools to help care-experienced students reach their full potential.
Developed by young people aged 14 to 26 - including those currently in care, in aftercare, or with experience of the care system - it aims to offer insight and practical steps to break down barriers in education.
Care-experienced children and young people already have so much to deal with outside of school, it can be difficult for them to remain in education, according to EPIC Youth Council member and project contributor Andrea Reilly.
"We need teachers who understand that and can be flexible, patient and kind. That's what Take Care is all about - helping schools build that support and understanding," she said.
The initiative has been funded the Tusla Education Support Service.
