Four new special needs classes for Dublin North

“There will be four new classes in Dublin North for children with special needs this September” according to Fine Gael TD for Dublin North Alan Farrell, following an announcement by the National Council for Special Education.  

“From September 2012, there will be two classes for children with special needs in Holywell Educate Together Primary school in Swords, one in Bracken Educate Together in Balbriggan, and a Post Primary class in Donabate Community College.

“These classes have lower pupil-teacher ratios than mainstream classes, ranging from one teacher for six pupils to one teacher for eleven pupils.

“These classes will enable students with special needs to transition from primary to post primary settings. While most of these classes have been allocated at primary level, there has been an increase in the number of special classes available at post-primary level.

“Nationwide, there will be 91 new classes for children with special needs opening by the start of the school year. This is an increase from 33 in 2011.

“I would advise parents to contact the NCSE or their Special Needs Education Organiser in relation to places that may be available as a result of this announcement.

“This is a very important announcement for Dublin North. We have growing population and therefore require extra provision for children with special needs to be educated and progress in a mainstream school along with their peers.

“These new classes have been sanctioned as a result of the dedication and work that has been carried out by the NCSE and the Government in relation to prioritising and investing in support for children with special needs.”