Autism classes for Nenagh children
St Mary’s Convent Primary School are delighted to announce that they have been sanctioned by the Department of Education and Skills to establish two co-education ASD special classes for pupils with autism.
The classes are to be located in a purpose-built facility in the school.
Principal Peadar O’Dwyer and the Board of Management identified some years ago that there was a significant need in Nenagh town for special class settings for children with autism. They are absolutely thrilled that St Mary's will be the first school in Nenagh town to cater for boys and girls with these needs at primary school level.
The classes will comprise of a class teacher and two SNAs for every six pupils enrolled. Having these classes attached to the mainstream school means that while the child’s individual needs can be catered for in this safe and adapted environment, there are also opportunities for the children to integrate and be included in mainstream activities.
Enrolment in these classes is specifically for children with a diagnosis of autism, with significant needs and a professional recommendation that the special class setting is the most appropriate educational setting for the child.
It was a very stressful time for parents who were trying to secure places in special classes, especially when there were no such classes available in Nenagh town, and classes further afield were oversubscribed. This new development at St Mary’s has been fantastic news for the parents and pupils themselves who will avail of the new facility.
Mr O’Dwyer and the staff were thrilled to hear during the week that the Department of Education and Skills have committed to building and resourcing two brand new special educational needs bases. Not only that, but the Department will also provide grant supports for re-configuration works to existing classrooms in the interim. This means that the classes can be opened in September 2021 with all the necessary equipment, technology and facilities while the new building development is completed.
Mr O’Dwyer wishes to thank the Board of Management of the school for their developmental and progressive strategies over the past 12 years so that outcomes like this can be achieved. He praised in particular the Chairman of the Board, Mr Luke Murtagh.
TRANSITION TO CO-EDUCATION
The Principal was also thankful to the Patron, Bishop Fintan Monahan, for granting permission for the school to transition to co-education and enrol girls and boys from September 2022, as this was a significant step in being granted the co-education ASD special classes.
The Principal and staff look forward with great excitement to welcoming the pupils, who among them will include the first boys to enrol in the school in over a century. The transition to co-education in 2022 will mean that many more boys and girls will follow and enrol in our multi-award-winning school.