Scoil Mhuire welcomes pupils with Additional Educational Needs (AEN). All pupils with Additional Educational Needs are provided with the full range of subject and programme choices. Pupils with AEN are fully integrated into the life of the school. Learning Support provision is organised through in-class support by means of team-teaching, small class groups or withdrawal. Students identified as having AEN will receive appropriate support based on the Continuum of Support model, which includes differentiated classroom teaching, school-based interventions, and more intensive individualised support as necessary. All students are screened in first year using the PPAD-E. This assessment has been developed by the Department of Education and Skills, through the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) in collaboration with the Educational Research Centre (ERC). This helps us identify any students who may have a particular area they may need some assistance with.
The goal of the Learning Support department is to aid pupils to develop and improve their own learning capacity. The aim is to teach pupils strategies and skills to enable them to learn more effectively. This allows pupils to benefit more fully from the time spent in regular subject classes. Our goal is to adopt a Universal Design for Learning approach (UDL) where as much as possible the needs and abilities of learners will be met in the classroom
There is a keen awareness and a strong commitment among the whole staff towards providing for pupils with AEN. This is strengthened by ongoing communication between members of staff and the Special Needs team regarding pupils’ needs and progress. Relevant information regarding pupils’ needs is disseminated among the staff and regular contact with parents is maintained.
The mission statement of the school is the guiding principle of the Learning Support department in endeavouring to empower pupils to learn and develop to their full potential. The pupils work very well and achieve great success as a result of the support they receive.