The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
THE National Council for Special Education has announced eight new special education classes in mainstream national schools across Clare, with two more at second level schools.
At national school level, there will be two such classes at St Tola’s in Shannon, while another two Shannon national schools, St Aidan’s and St Conaire’s will get one each. The other classes will be at Mullagh NS, Kilkishen NS, Clarecastle NS and Mullagh NS.
At second level there will be new special education classes at St Caimin’s in Shannon and St Anne’s in Killaloe.
In all there will be 55 special classes be provided in Clare during 2021/22, up from 45 in 2020/21.
“This is hugely welcome news for the provision of special education across County Clare,” said Clare TD Cathal Crowe.
“As a primary school teacher by trade, I know all too well how important it is to help these kids integrate in a mainstream school but as well as that, it’s vital that they can be allowed to accept and grow their identity as a child with autism or whatever their specific needs may be.
“Education must be inclusive and supportive of the needs of all pupils.
“I’m particularly glad to see that there are two new post-primary classes – one at St Caimin’s in Shannon which I know will be well-utilised, as I’ve had a large number of concerned parents of primary school aged kids make contact with me about the lack of places for their children at secondary level,” he added.
Owen Ryan
Owen Ryan has been a journalist with the Clare Champion since 2007, having previously worked for a number of other regional titles in Limerick, Galway and Cork.
