1. Introduction:

This policy document aims to outline the form that additional educational support for students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) takes in our school and the philosophy which underpins it. It is written in the context of The Education Act (1998) and takes cognisance of The Equal Status Act (2000), The Equality Act (2004), The Education Welfare Act (2000), The Data Protection Acts (1988, 1998 and 2003) and The Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act (2004). Two further publications have informed the content of this policy- “Inclusion of Students with Special Educational Needs-Post Primary Guidelines (Department of Education & Science (DES) Inspectorate: 2007) and “Exceptionally Able Students-Draft Guidelines for Teachers” (NCCA: 2007).

The policy is a revision of the existing draft policy and is a work in progress involving a consultative process involving staff, students, parents and Board of Management. The document should be read in conjunction with the following policies: (1) Admissions, (2) Student Support, (3) Anti-Bullying and (4) Guidance and Counselling Plan (draft).