Exciting News: Introducing our ASD programme from September 2025

In light of the very strong emphasis on inclusivity, which is central to our ethos, the Board of Management has responded positively to a request from the NCSE to run an ASD programme from September next. This means the introduction of a special class in a designated homeroom and is a very exciting development in the journey of our school. Starting in September, this class will considerably enhance our Special Education Provision and is open to students from all year groups with the required diagnosis.  The class can take a maximum of six students.

 SEN Mission Statement

We aim to encourage self-confidence and self-esteem among all our pupils. The whole school, The Board of Management, Parents and Staff are committed to the creation of an inclusive, supportive learning environment for all pupils. All pupils who are recognised as having Special Educational Needs are enabled and empowered to:

• Participate fully in the school community
• Acquire the basic personal, social and literacy and numeric skills needed for life
• Experience success
• Develop a positive self-image and build self-esteem

School Mission Statement

Loreto Secondary School Balbriggan is a Catholic girls’ secondary school under the trusteeship of the Loreto Trust Board. In the spirit of Mary Ward, we aim to develop all the abilities of our students in order that they realise their full potential and use their talents for the service of others. We also aim to encourage self–confidence and self-esteem in a happy atmosphere and structured environment. The school community, collaborating together in mutual respect, strives for holistic excellence.

Meeting the Needs and Allocating Support

In 2024, Circular 0064/2024, introduced a revised model for allocating Special Educational Needs (SEN) resources to schools. This document and the Guidelines for Post-Primary Schools: Supporting Young People with Special Educational Needs in Mainstream Classes, produced in 2024, by the Department of Education and Skills (DES), will be the guiding principles that will form the basis for support for students with SEN within Loreto Secondary School Balbriggan.

We acknowledge that there is a spectrum of ability. In line with the New Model for Special Education Teaching Allocation – ‘the highest level of need should have access to the greatest level of support’.

There are three levels of support:

Level 1: Support For All: Whole school and Classroom support – this will focus on preventative and proactive approaches through testing, providing information for students, staff and parents, alongside whole class support.

Level 2: Support For Some: This will focus on providing school support for small groups and some individuals. This may be on a weekly timetabled basis, or short-term intervention.

Level 3: Support For a Few: This will provide individualised and specialist support for a number of students with the greatest level of need, on a regular timetabled basis.

SEN Co-Ordinators 2026/27

First Year:  Ms. S Russell

Second Year: Ms. M Murphy

Third year: Ms. J O’Toole

Fourth Year: Mr. A Murphy

Fifth Year: Mr. A Murphy

Sixth Year: Ms. C McGuirk/ Ms. S Grehan.

 

•  
  Special Educational Needs Policy

  This policy document aims to outline the school’s provision of additional educational support for students with SEN.This policy document aims to outline the school’s provision of additional educational support for students with SEN.

  download
  
  
  June 2026