LIMERICK is getting 18 new special classes to provide for 108 children across the county.
The classes will be provided in September under a nationwide budget allocation for 375 new special classes to be delivered for around 2,300 children.
Each of the classes will have six pupils, one teacher and one special needs assistant.
Minister Niall Collins welcomed the announcement by Education Minister Norma Foley, saying: “I want to thank all our local schools who are working so hard to make this happen in conjunction with the Department of Education and the National Council for Special Education.”
Additional building work is being carried out in schools across the country to provide either new classrooms or refurbish existing classrooms for the new special classes.
The Limerick schools getting the additional facilities include: St Johns Convent; Bohermore NS; Cappagh NS; St Josephs Convent Primary; Doon Convent NS; Donoughmore NS; Scoil Na Mbearnan; St John The Baptist Boys NS; Athlacca NS; Knockainey NS; Tobar Phadraig; Scoil Ailbhe; Scoil Aine Naofa; Gaelscoil Sheoirse Clancy; Colaiste Nano Nagle; Castletroy College; and St Senan’s NS.
The Department of Education and the National Council for Special Education are engaging with schools and patrons to finalise the arrangements necessary for the remainder of special classes to open for the coming school year in the areas where they are needed, the Minister said.
The number of Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) who help parents to find school places and health services for their children has increased from 73 to 120.
