SEN

Welcome

Welcome to Coláiste Íosagáin, where we prioritise the inclusive education and support of students with diverse Additional Educational Needs (AEN). Our dedicated team, comprising of experienced teachers and special needs assistants, collaborates closely under the guidance of our coordinator to ensure that every student can thrive and achieve their full potential.

Introduction

Special educational Needs (SEN) are defined in the Education for Persons with Additional Education Needs Act 2004 as “a restriction in the capacity of the person to participate in and benefit from education on account of an enduring physical, sensory, mental health or learning disability or any other condition which results in a person learning differently from a person without that condition”.

The newer term, “Additional Educational Needs” refers to all needs – learning, physical, sensory, visual, audio, language and behavioural – and how these may impact on the person’s ability to reach their full potential. We in Coláiste Íosagáin include students with all these needs and we support them through our AEN Department, Behaviour Support and Autism classes. We prefer this term as it describes more fully everything that we do.

As per our school admission policy, Coláiste Íosagáin welcomes students with Additional Education Needs and endeavours to “provide that the education of people with such needs shall wherever possible take place in an inclusive environment” (Education for Persons with Special Needs Act 2004). The application process for a student with Additional Education Needs will be the same as that of any other applicant.

Our vision is of a welcoming, inclusive, vibrant community where every member feels a real sense of belonging in a school. Upon enrolment, each student undergoes a comprehensive assessment tailored to their unique needs. This assessment includes a cognitive ability test, often referred to as the 'entrance exam,' as well as a review of any relevant psychological assessments or occupational therapy reports. These evaluations inform the development of personalised support plans designed to address specific learning requirements.

Continuum of Support

The Department has set out the Continuum of Support framework to assist schools in identifying and responding to students’ needs. This framework recognises that Additional Education Needs occur along a continuum, ranging from mild to severe and from transient to long term and that students require different levels of support depending on their identified educational needs. Using this framework helps to ensure that interventions are incremental, moving from class-based interventions to more intensive and individualised support and that they are informed by careful monitoring of progress.

At Coláiste Íosagáin, we offer a spectrum of support strategies, ranging from in-class assistance to targeted small-group interventions. We understand that every student's journey is unique and our commitment is to provide the resources and guidance necessary for their academic and personal growth.

Autism Classes

We have three autism classes which cater for students who have a diagnosis of Autism, with a recommendation of a placement in a special class within a mainstream post primary school.

Every aspect of teaching and learning is student - centred. We support and guide students, helping them navigate day-to-day challenges in school. The staff team supporting students accessing this space consists of a Coordinator, Special Education & Mainstream Teachers, and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs), who work collaboratively to create a tailored curriculum to meet the needs of individual students.

Students who qualify for this space can access mainstream subjects at both Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate level, as well as Junior Cycle Level 1 / Level 2 Learning Programmes. Students can also enjoy a variety of programmes, based on their individual needs, e.g. Social Skills to Life Skills, Cooking, Horticulture, Arts & Crafts, Enterprise, among others.

The strong relationship between school staff, the students and their parents/guardians has a positive impact on student progress in this wonderful new space.

Admissions to the ASD class operate in tandem with the main admissions process for the school. Parent(s)/Guardians(s) can contact the school for further information. Only students with both a diagnosis of Autism and a recommendation for placement in a special class, within a mainstream setting, can be considered, in accordance with the admission policy.