12 new classrooms for autistic students are to open in schools across Waterford from this coming September.
The following new Autism classrooms will open in September 2024;
Whitechurch NS Ceapach
Scoil Lorcain BNS
Mount Sion CBS
Gaelscoil Philib Barun
Portlaw NS
Butlerstown NS
Glor Na Mara
De La Salle College
St. Angela’s School
St. Declan’s Community College
Blackwater Community College
This announcement regarding 12 new classes joins the 13,000 new classes sanctioned across the country in the past 4 years.
Waterford Fine Gael Senator John Cummins has thanked the wider school communities for their tireless work in bringing the respective classes to a reality.
Adding to his statement, he said: “It is regrettable that we still see some schools resisting the opening of Autism classrooms and I will continue to work with Minister Hildegarde Naughton to ensure further progress is achieved in this area."
He added: “As someone who comes from an educational background, I have seen firsthand the benefits which flow from having ASD classrooms within the school community. Not only is it a really positive thing for students with additional needs, it’s also important for the wider school population in teaching empathy, understanding and inclusion”.
The Waterford Senator has reinforced his views all schools in Ireland should have specific provision for students with additional needs.
"Autistic classrooms provide a smaller classroom environment where students can learn and flourish. While we still have a way to go to get to that point, we have made positive strides towards ensuring more families in Waterford are able to get an appropriate place close to home”.
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