Laois special schools receive additional supports

Three special schools in Laois will receive additional supports from the government, including more teaching posts, following an announcement on Tuesday. 

St. Francis Special School and Kolbe Special School, both in Portlaoise, and Sapling’s Special School, Graiguecullen, will all benefit from additional teaching posts targeted at post-primary aged students.

 Kolbe and Sapling’s Special Schools will also be allocated a new Administrative Deputy Principal in each school. 

Minister of State for Special Education and Inclusion, Hildegarde Naughton T.D. announced details of the arrangements to apply for the application of the additional targeted supports for special schools announced in Budget 2024.

The Minister said these additional funds will further enhance the investment in our education system and reflect the Government’s commitment to a quality inclusive school system and improved learning outcomes for every student.

Welcoming the announcement Sean Fleming TD, Minister of State, said: "These additional teaching roles will help to deliver access to more subjects in the junior and senior school curricula for the young people in these three schools. 

"These new deputy principal posts will assist the school principals with administrative and management work and support learning, parental and community engagement and support principals carry out the tremendous amount of work they do.

"This is really good news for the children, parents and staff of St. Francis, Kolbe and Sapling’s Special Schools. The students will really benefit from learning and undertaking a wider curriculum and realise their full potential."