New ‘inclusive special’ classes aims to provide more flexibility to support students

Despite concern’s from Ireland’s autism charity, the new educational model has potential, provided it works in tandem with the current autism class model

Powerstown Educate Together National School principal Helena Trench says ‘some children will need special classes, some children will need special schools, and we have to realise there is parental choice too as to where a child goes to school’. Picture: Moya Nolan

As many school principals will know, children’s development doesn’t tend to just follow the same straight line.

It can make navigating the rigid system of available supports for children with special educational needs difficult for schools trying to contend with those changing needs.