Supporting Every Student to Flourish

Every student should be able to access learning, participate fully in school life and develop confidence in her own capacity to succeed.

At Scoil Mhuire, our ethos of Nurturing for Life is at the heart of our approach to Additional Educational Needs (AEN). We welcome students with AEN and are committed to creating an inclusive environment in which every student is known, valued, respected and supported.

We believe that every student has her own strengths, abilities and potential. Students with AEN have access to the full range of subjects, programmes and opportunities available within our school community. Our aim is to ensure that every student can participate meaningfully in school life while developing the confidence, skills and independence to flourish.

An inclusive approach to learning

Support is planned around the needs and strengths of the individual student and may include differentiated classroom teaching, team teaching, small-group work or targeted individual support. Provision is guided by the Continuum of Support, allowing the level and nature of support to respond appropriately as a student’s needs develop or change.

Our aim is not simply to help a student complete a particular task. We seek to develop the strategies, organisation, confidence and independence that enable her to become a more effective and increasingly independent learner across all areas of school life.

Identifying strengths and needs

We take a proactive approach to identifying students’ strengths and learning needs. Before students begin First Year, CAT4 (Cognitive Abilities Test) assessments are carried out to provide information about each student’s learning profile and to help inform the transition to post-primary school.

Once students join Scoil Mhuire, Post-Primary Assessment and Diagnosis – English (PPAD-E), developed by the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS), is used to further identify students who may benefit from additional support with literacy. The results of these assessments are considered alongside information from primary school, parents and guardians, teachers and the student herself.

Where a student is identified as requiring further investigation or support, the AEN team may carry out individual in-school assessments to gain a more detailed understanding of her strengths and areas of need. This information helps us to plan appropriate support and, where necessary, to monitor progress and review provision over time.

Our approach recognises that assessment is not simply about identifying difficulties. It is about understanding how each student learns, recognising her strengths and ensuring that she receives the right support to develop her confidence, independence and capacity to succeed.

Learning designed for difference

Scoil Mhuire is committed to developing a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) approach, where teaching and learning are planned from the outset to respond to the different ways students engage with learning, understand information and demonstrate what they know.

Classroom support remains central to our approach, with more targeted intervention provided where required. By recognising and responding to differences, we aim to create classrooms where all students can engage, participate and experience success.

Working in partnership

Effective support depends on strong communication and collaboration. Our AEN team works closely with students, families, subject teachers, Class Teachers, Year Heads, Guidance and the Student Support Team, as well as relevant external professionals where appropriate.

Students are encouraged to have a voice in their own learning and to develop an understanding of their strengths and needs. Parents and guardians are valued partners, bringing important knowledge and insight that helps us support each student effectively.

Relevant information is shared appropriately so that those working with a student understand her learning needs and can provide consistent support across the school.

Nurturing for Life

At Scoil Mhuire, we recognise that education is about more than academic achievement. Nurturing for Life means helping each student to develop the confidence, resilience, independence and skills she needs not only to succeed in school, but to thrive beyond it.

Through an inclusive and supportive approach, we strive to ensure that every student feels that she belongs, that her strengths are recognised and that she is capable of achieving her potential.

Starting a conversation Parents or guardians who wish to discuss their daughter’s learning needs are encouraged to contact the school. Early communication helps us work together in the student’s best interests.

Exemption from the Study of Irish

Irish is a core subject in the curriculum at Scoil Mhuire, and all students are given the opportunity to engage with the study of Irish.

In exceptional circumstances, a student may be granted an exemption from the study of Irish. An exemption can only be granted where a student meets the eligibility criteria set out by the Department of Education and Youth. The relevant criteria for post-primary students are outlined in Circular 0055/2022 – Exemptions from the Study of Irish – Post Primary.

The process involves careful consideration of the student’s individual circumstances, educational history and learning needs. An application for an exemption must be made in writing to the school Principal by the parent/guardian, or by the student where she is aged 18 or over. The school will consider the application in accordance with the Department of Education and Youth’s guidelines.

Where appropriate, the school will work with the student and her parents/guardians to consider the application and ensure that the relevant information and supporting evidence are available. The decision to grant an exemption rests with the school in accordance with the Department’s requirements.

An exemption from the study of Irish is granted only in the circumstances provided for in the Department’s guidelines. Having an Additional Educational Need does not, in itself, mean that a student automatically qualifies for an exemption.

Parents or guardians who wish to discuss whether their daughter may meet the criteria for an exemption are encouraged to contact the school so that the process and relevant requirements can be explained.

For further information, parents and guardians can consult the Department of Education and Youth’s guidance on exemptions from the study of Irish. Department of Education and Youth – Exemption from the Study of Irish

Supports Available

At Scoil Mhuire, we recognise that students may need different types and levels of support at different stages of their education. Support is planned around the individual needs, strengths and circumstances of each student, in line with the Continuum of Support.

Depending on identified need, students may have access to a range of supports, including:

• Movement breaks to support concentration, regulation and engagement with learning

• Sensory support to help students manage sensory needs and remain comfortable and engaged in the school environment

• Small-group and individual support in areas such as literacy, numeracy, IT skills and social skills. 

• Support to develop organisation, study skills, independence and effective learning strategies

• In-class support and team teaching, where appropriate

• Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) who support students with identified care needs in accordance with their allocated role

• In-school assessment for RACE (Reasonable Accommodations at the Certificate Examinations) to help identify students who may meet the criteria for examination accommodations

• Support with applications and arrangements for State Examination accommodations, in accordance with the relevant State Examinations Commission criteria

• In-house examination supports, where appropriate, to help students develop confidence and familiarity with examination accommodations and strategies

Our aim is to provide support that enables students to become increasingly confident, independent and effective learners. Supports are reviewed regularly and may change as a student’s needs develop.

We work closely with students, parents/guardians and teachers to ensure that support is purposeful, responsive and focused on helping each student to participate fully in school life and achieve her potential.