Special Educational Needs (SEN) Department

Welcome to our Special Educational Needs (SEN) Department

At Coláiste an Átha, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every student, regardless of their individual challenges, can thrive academically and socially. Our dedicated team of professionals works closely with students, parents, and teachers to create personalised learning plans that cater to the unique needs of each child. We provide a range of support services, including tailored teaching strategies, emotional support, and access to specialised resources. Our focus is not only on achieving educational goals but also on building confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging. Together, we strive to ensure that all students have the opportunity to shine and reach their full potential.

Some of the supports we offer, where possible, are:

• Induction programme
• Literacy support
• Numeracy support
• Language support
• EAL support
• Social/emotional support
• Support with fine motor/gross motor skills
• Organisation support including colour-coded timetable & zip-lock folders for each subject
• Locker management support
• Assistive Technology support
• SNA support
• Typing skills
• Study skills
• Use of fidgets
• Movement/Sensory breaks
• Accommodations for in-house exams
• Resource teaching and in-class support
• Team-teaching
• Building self-esteem and confidence

Note: The above list is not exhaustive.

Some differentiation strategies used in classes are:

• Use of concrete materials
• Use of visual aids
• Use of ICT
• Tailoring instruction to meet the diverse needs, interests and abilities of all students
• Extra-time to complete work
• Seating plans
• Repetition
• Varying the complexity of materials
• Allowing students to present their understanding in multiple formats
• Structured group work
• Offering choices in assignments/projects
• Incorporating various learning styles and modalities
• Chunking
• Scaffolding
• Use of graphic organisers
• Hands-on activities
• Ongoing assessment and feedback
• Differentiated worksheets
• Use of dyslexia friendly font

Note: The above list is not exhaustive.

The SEN Department work closely with the principal, deputy principal, year heads, guidance counsellor and Home School Community Liaison (HSCL) teacher. Meetings are held once per week between these interest groups and they refer students to each other’s departments depending on what a student’s immediate needs may be. This practice is done to ensure all our students are supported in the most appropriate way by the person with the best level of expertise at our college.

We always endeavour to praise and encourage our students as much as possible to develop their self-esteem and confidence. We pride ourselves on the fact that we know our students’ strengths, needs and interests extremely well. We celebrate every little achievement. Positive relationship building between us and our students is always our top priority.

As the educational landscape continues to evolve, it’s imperative for parents to forge strong collaborations with teachers to ensure their child’s success. Engaging in open communication, attending parent-teacher meetings, and supporting classroom initiatives can create a cohesive learning environment that bridges home and school. It is imperative that all professional reports are handed into the school so we have all the information to best support your child. When parents share insights about their child's strengths and challenges, teachers can tailor their approaches to better meet individual needs. This partnership not only fosters academic achievement but also enhances the social and emotional well-being of students. By working together, parents and teachers can cultivate a supportive educational ecosystem that empowers students to thrive.

The best way to contact your child’s Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) at Coláiste an Átha is via email.

Our SENCOs are also teaching daily and only have certain time periods during the week where they have the time to complete admin work. If you leave a message for your child’s SENCO or send them an email, please be patient and they will get back to you at their earliest convenience.

If you have a form that needs to be filled out for an outside agency e.g. CAMHS, please put it in an envelope with the name of your child’s SENCO on the front and leave into reception.

Any reports/letters that your child may get from outside professionals, please put in an envelope with the name of your child’s SENCO on the front and leave into reception.

If your child is in an exam year, your child’s SENCO will be in touch with you if your child is entitled to Reasonable Accommodations in State Exams.

SENCO details

Ms. Anne Marie McCormack Email: annemariemccormack@wwetb.ie

Ms. Gillian Casey Email: gilliancasey@wwetb.ie

Mr. Raymond Furlong Email: raymondfurlong@wwetb.ie

The SENCOs for the 2024-2025 academic year are as follows: