Extra teaching hours and new role to boost two Wicklow special schools

Both Newcourt Special School and Marino School are to get an increased allocation of post-primary teaching hours from September 2024, which will mean they will be able to offer a greater range of national curriculum subjects at junior and senior cycle.

In addition, Marino School is among 89 in Ireland that will gain an administrative deputy principal. This moves comes after the removal of the current 15 teacher threshold for the appointment of such a role in special schools, and will bring welcome assistance for current principals in the areas of management, learning, and parental and community engagement.

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The news of these boosts come just days after confirmation that an extra Special Education Needs Organiser (SENO) has been allocated for Wicklow to support parents, students and schools in the county.

Wicklow Taoiseach Simon Harris has been campaigning for all of the above, and said: “Back in October I visited Newcourt Special School in Bray where I met with a number of students and staff.

“I listened carefully to their needs and those of other schools in Wicklow I have visited over the past year and have been determined to improve special education delivery across the county.

“Today I am delighted to say Newcourt Special School and Marino School in Bray have received an increased allocation of teaching hours, allowing for more personalised and effective educational classes for those with extra needs.

“On top of this Marino School in Bray is getting a new administrative deputy principal. This role will be vital in supporting principals to boost student learning experiences and increasing engagement with community and parents.”

He added: “What I want to see is schools delivering across the county comprehensive national curriculum subjects at both junior and senior cycles, which are specifically designed to build on individual strengths, fostering progression and smooth transitions for students.

“One of my core values is equality of opportunity and the people of Wicklow can count on me to deliver on my promise for a more equal Ireland.”

Minister of State for Special Education and Inclusion, Hildegarde Naughton T.D., explained further how the schemes will work.

"Each special school will be aligned with their local ETB, providing access to a support model for teacher supply in relevant curricular areas,” she said. “All matters relating to the recruitment, assignment and payment of the teachers concerned will be managed by the designated ETB.

“I am particularly pleased at the opportunities this support model will provide for in terms of the potential for teachers and students to work across both special and mainstream schools/classes facilitating the potential for building capacity and sharing of expertise across mainstream and special school settings.

"The provision of these additional post-primary teaching posts will also assist special schools in being ready to offer the new senior cycle level 1 and level 2 modules which are currently in development as part of senior cycle redevelopment. These new posts and curriculum pathways at senior cycle will also support students in our special schools to transition to available further education and training opportunities and employment opportunities after school.”