AEN DEPARTMENT INFORMATION
Here in RCS, we have a long tradition of providing wholly inclusive education to students across our catchment area and beyond. We have a well-deserved reputation for providing a highly supportive environment for students who have an additional educational need.
A key cornerstone of the success of our AEN department is the trusting relationships built up with all the stakeholders, students, parents and the AEN team. All our work in the AEN department is done in consultation with parents and student to achieve the best outcomes for your children. We are very fortunate to have a core team of 5 fully qualified AEN teachers who provide a plethora of different supports tailored to meet the specific needs of each individual student.
- We offer a mixture of team teaching, in-class support, and small group withdrawal.
- Support is tailored to the needs of individual students based on the continuum of support.
- Students with the highest level of need will receive the greatest support.
- Support can be transient, ranging from yearly, termly, to 4–6-week interventions.
- We provide a mix of supports including but not limited to- Literacy, Numeracy, Social skills, Organisational skills, Typing skills & Life skills.
- We have a team of 15 SNAs, usually with one assigned to each 1st year class group.
- Reasonable Accommodations (RACE) testing will be conducted in 3rd year to determine eligibility.
- Disability Access Route to Higher Education (DARE) testing will be conducted in 6th year to determine eligibility.
- Please send any reports, assessments, or Irish exemption certificates to the school.
- For any queries, contact Ms. Aisling Foley at aisling.foley@rcswexford.ie.
It is very important for parents and guardians to be aware that, as a school, we can often offer your child support in school without a psychological report. Please note that it is not always necessary to seek a private educational assessment and we would welcome parents to chat to us here in school in advance of seeking private educational assessments.
How we identify the needs of our students?
We identify the needs of our students through our comprehensive transition from Primary School programme, and we also complete testing here in school.
·As part of our Entrance assessment s students complete the CAT IV test.
·In 1st year we complete both Literacy and Numeracy testing with all our 1st years in September. The PPAD-E test assesses attainment in Spelling, Word Reading, Reading Comprehension, Speed of reading. We also complete the Progress Test Maths which assesses students' ability in various areas across the Maths curriculum.
·In 3rd year our students sit the CATIV test again which enables them to make informed choices about subjects for LC and again allows us to identify any students who may require additional support in school or for exams.
·Further testing takes place on an individual basis for any students in 3rd and 6th year who may be eligible for either Reasonable Accommodations in the State Exams (RACE) and/or Disability Access Route to Higher Education (DARE)
This comprehensive process allows us to identify students who may require additional support when they join us in RCS.
Frequently asked questions in the AEN Department
1.Who is the school’s designated AEN Co-Ordinator?
Ms. Aisling Foley is our co-ordinator of Additional Educational Supports. You can contact Aisling via email aisling.foley@rcswexford.ie
2. How does the school identify and assess students with additional needs?
As detailed above we have a comprehensive transition programme from Primary School, and we continue the assessment process as detailed above and in our Assessment Policy
3.What types of support or intervention are available, and who provides them?
RCS provides in-class support, team teaching, small group sessions, one-to-one assistance, or access to outside specialists.
4.How frequently is progress reviewed, and how will it be communicated to parents?
Progress is reviewed termly and reported to parents twice yearly in conjunction with main reports. Open communication with parents is encouraged and AEN teachers are open to regular, more informal communication with parents via email, phone or through the school journal.
5. What training do staff receive on supporting students with specific needs (e.g., autism, ADHD, dyslexia, sensory processing)?
Well-trained teachers are the foundation of effective inclusion. Our AEN department consists of 5 fully trained AEN teachers all of whom have completed their Post Graduate Certificate in Special Education recognised and provided by the Department of Education.
6.How does the school promote inclusion in mainstream activities, clubs, and social environments?
True inclusion goes beyond classrooms—every student is encouraged to participate in the wider school life. Our phenomenal range of extra-curricular activities is open to all students. If a student requires additional support to participate, then often an SNA can provide additional supervision.
7.What pastoral or emotional support is available for students struggling socially or emotionally?
Our school provides counselling, mentoring, and wellbeing programs. One of the most beneficial of these is our Check & Connect Programme which is an essential support provided by each member of staff to a student(s). It allows for a weekly check in and helps to facilitate invaluable links between
8. How do you collaborate with families and external professionals (e.g., therapists, educational psychologists)?
Strong partnerships ensure that support inside and outside school is coordinated and consistent. Our AEN Co-Ordinator meets and communicates regularly with external professionals and organisations to provide the most inclusive support system for our students.
9. What about extra time during State exams?
10. How are teachers made aware of the individual needs of my child?
A summary of any reports and recommendations for each individual student with an identified need is uploaded to their Vsware profile at the start of each year. This profile is confidential and can only be accessed by teachers of that student.
11. My child has an Irish Exemption in Primary school, does this still apply in secondary school?
If a student has an Irish exemption in Primary school this will automatically transfer to RCS. Please see the link below which deals in more detail with frequently asked questions in relation to Irish exemptions.
USEFUL LINKS