Special Education Needs
“If they can't learn the way we teach, we teach the way they learn” - O. Ivar Lovaas
In Powerscourt National School, we value the individuality of all our children. We are committed to giving each of them every opportunity to achieve the highest standards within an inclusive, positive setting, offering a broad and balanced curriculum and with high expectations for all the children, where the achievements, attitudes and wellbeing of all our pupils matter.
The aim of Special Needs Education provision within the school is to address any difficulties experienced by individual children in accessing the curriculum.
In addition to our Special Education Teacher (SET), our team also includes two Special Needs Assistants (SNAs)in a job share capacity. We are actively campaigning for more hours. The team are all experienced and committed to providing the best support possible to pupils with special educational needs. This support will be based on identified needs and be informed by regular reviews of progress (in consultation with parents and pupils). This can also mean a great deal of differentiated education happens in the classrooms. We believe that the best outcomes are achieved when all parties work collaboratively.
Areas targeted for support include social skills/ emotional, behavioural, numeracy, literacy and motor skills.
The SNAs bring considerable experience to their roles and play an indispensable part in the Special Education Team. They collaborate closely with the teachers and parents of the children they support. This support enables the children they work with to integrate into and be valued members of our school community.
Sensory Room
Powerscourt National School has substantial support from our parent body. This year the McMullan Family raised enough money to transform our Quiet Room into a Sensory Room with the help of Total Sensory. This space provides a safe, calming respite from the busy school environment for those children who need it.
A Yard for All
Powerscourt National School is committed to ensuring the whole school is an inclusive environment. This year the Amber Flag committee made some additions (yard games and toys, sand box, digging area, skipping ropes, etc) to our school yard in coordination with our garden committee. This helps to ensure quality yard time; having more options for play, be it playing in smaller groups, or in larger groups of mixed ages, helping the children discover others with common interests and support budding friendships.