This article is from page 29 of the 2008-05-27 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 29 JPG
THE innovative and progressive work of a west Clare primary school has ensured its place on the shortlist for the coveted AIB Better Ireland aN WLNKels
St Senan’s National School Kilrush has a long and distinguished history in providing specially tailored edu- cation for children with leaning and emotional disabilities.
As well as providing main stream education for the children of the west Clare capital, the 24-teacher school also caters for the specific needs of children with autistic spectrum dis- order, sever and mild general learn- ing disabilities and diagnosed emo- tional disturbance.
Since the introduction of a ground- breaking programme that uses tactile
and stimulatory equipment, the qual- ity of education as well as the quality of life of the children attending the school has improved significantly.
The aim of the initiative is to pro- vide a multi sensory programme that would increase the confidence and self esteem of the children so that they would be able to integrate with their peers, explained school princi- pal Paddy McInerney.
“We have many years experience in dealing with special education. We are the only school in west Clare with special need classes and an au- tistic unit attached,” he said.
Although the autistic unit is in place just over a year and a half the school principal has already seen the benefit of the programme especially for children with autism.
As the school has such a wide range
of children with different needs, they all respond differently to the various programmes and therapies provided. The impact of each therapy also var- ies from child to child.
“Sensory therapy and deep pres- sure techniques, musical therapy and Cranio Sacral are just some of the programmes that the children are ex- posed to,” said Mr McInerney.
The more therapies available to the children the more it improves their lives at school and at home as it has a very calming affect, he explained.
Should the school win the text competition for a €10,000 award from AIB Kilrush through the Better Ireland Programme the money will go towards providing more therapy equipment and supporting the pro- gramme that is already in place.
The branch will award the €10,000
to one of three local projects that tops the poll in a public text vote. Friends of St Senan’s school can do their bit to ensure the local school avails of the prize by simply texting KILRUSHC to 53099 before June 6.
If the school does not top the poll it will still benefit from the texts. Each text vote costs 60 cent and proceeds generated by the texts for the school will be donated to its special educa- tion project.