In Our Lady of Lourdes we deliver special education teaching which is designed to help students with diverse needs access the curriculum and achieve their full potential.
How Support is Delivered
The School uses a Continuum of Support framework to match the level of assistance to a student’s specific needs:
In-Class Support: Where a special education teacher works alongside the subject teacher to provide targeted interventions.
Small Group Classes: Students may be withdrawn for short periods to work on specific skills like literacy, numeracy, or life skills.
Individual (1:1) Support: Reserved for students with more complex needs requiring intensive, personalised instruction.
Special Classes: Smaller class groups within a mainstream school for students who cannot access the full curriculum in a standard classroom.
Types of Assistance Available
Special Education Teachers who provide additional pedagogical support.
Special Needs Assistants who provide non-teaching care and assistance for students with significant care needs.
Assistive Technology: Support for using specialized software or devices, for example speech to text software, reading pens, etc to aid learning.
State Exam Accommodations (RACE): Arrangements such as readers, scribes, or extra time for the Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate.
Specialised Interventions: Targeted programmes for dyslexia, handwriting, touch typing, and organisational skills.
If you are a parent or guardian, your first step should be to speak with the school principal or the SET Coordinator to discuss your child’s specific needs and the supports currently available in the school.
