Introduction

The staff in St Brigid’s aim to provide a curriculum that will enable each pupil to reach their potential. Classroom teachers assess and monitor the progress of the children in their care.

Under the revised model for SEN (2017), SEN provision for students is at the school’s discretion. Students are given additional support on the basis of their learning needs rather than their diagnosis. Additional help, from a Special Education Teacher is provided for children who fulfil the criteria below.

Children receive help from a Learning Support Teacher following consultation with parents and after parents have given their consent.  The SET open Student Support Files in collaboration with the class teacher.

Decisions are taken about the best way of delivering support, whether in class or withdrawal, individually or in groups. SET can team teach with class teachers and work in-class with groups. We find this particularly useful in the Junior classes with early maths and phonics and in the middle and senior classes in maths.

We are supported in our work by our wonderful Special Needs Assistants, who bring so much to our school and are worth their weight in gold.

Criteria for students who attend SET (numbers permitting)

1. Children with ‘complex needs’ with the HSE’s Children’s Disability Network Team or on their waiting list.

2.EAL/Children with Speech & Language difficulties

3.Children who need support with Maths/Literacy i.e. they scored under the 16^th percentile.

4.Some students will already been noted as needing support because of their scores in standardised tests or have got more recent reports/diagnoses

i.e. those with a

· Specific Learning Difficulty (SLD)

· Dyslexia/Dyspraxia/Dyscalculia

· General Learning Difficulty (GLD)

· Anxiety or emotional difficulties

· Attention Deficit (Hyperactive) Disorder (ADHD, ADD)

· Autism

· Dyspraxia

· Children with Behavioural/Emotional issues

· Exceptional Ability/Dual Exceptionality