*Scoil na Mainistreach principal, Fergal Lynch.
A NEW unit for children with autism to help integrate pupils into the mainstream classrooms will be officially opened at Scoil na Mainistreach in Quin on January 24.
The new facility will be allocated one teacher and two Special Needs Assistants. Sanctioned by the NCSE (National Council for Special Education), a classroom has been repurposed which will have special resources to cater for the various needs of the children. It follows the addition of a sensory room at the 295-pupil Quin National School three years ago.
School principal since 2015, Fergal Lynch told The Clare Echo that the school has an inclusive approach with the aim to integrate children into the classroom on a daily basis, “The room enables children with autism to enter the classroom on an integrated basis so that they would be included in their normal classroom but that they will also have their own classroom, a safe haven to go to, on a daily basis at certain times of the day. So some children will spend 30-40 per cent of their time in the class, and the other 60 per cent of the time they would be working with their peers, either on break or lunchtime or on subjects where they work particularly well with others. We currently have two pupils who have access to it and there are more spaces available if children wish to enrol.” He added that Scoil na Mainistreach has also applied to the Department for additional accommodation to extend the offering in the future.
Fergal added that the facility is an important addition to the Quin community, with children in the locality previously have to travel to schools in Ennis or neighbouring parishes to avail of such facilities.
Scoil na Mainistreach has been “growing steadily” in recent years, having undergone an eight-classroom extension in 2015. Mr Lynch acknowledges that the last two years have been particularly difficult for students and parents, “particularly for children with special needs as they need routine and structure in their day” and he adds that the new resource “will certainly aid in the delivery of a top class education for children with special needs”.
Parents who wish to enquire about enrolment can visit quindanganns.com or email quindanganns@gmail.com.
