AEN
Additional Educational Needs (AEN)
At Davitt College, we are committed to unlocking every student's full potential through dedicated support, tailored learning plans, and an inclusive school community.
AEN Coordinator: Mary Gibbons
Our AEN Coordinator works closely with students, parents, subject teachers, and external agencies to coordinate individualized educational support and ensure comprehensive resource allocation across all year groups.
Inclusive Learning Facilities
Davitt College features a tiered support environment:
- 3 Dedicated ASD Units: Bespoke, sensory-appropriate environments.
- AEN Classrooms: Specialized learning spaces for targeted small-group instruction.
How We Support Our Students
Tailored Learning Plans
Development of targeted Student Support Plans (SSPs) addressing specific academic, organizational, or behavioral targets.
Collaborative Team
Close cooperation between SNAs (Special Needs Assistants), subject teachers, guidance counselors, and parents.
Inclusive Integration
Ensuring students are fully integrated into mainstream classes while receiving the precise accommodations they need to thrive.
Our Integrated Support Framework
1. In-Class Support
In-Class Support (ICS) provides subtle, targeted intervention within mainstream lessons. Delivered by a qualified Special Education Teacher (SET), this approach addresses specific academic, social, or emotional needs. We monitor progress daily and adjust support levels in consultation with parents.
2. Co-Teaching
Two subject-qualified teachers collaborate to deliver the curriculum. This inclusive model enables us to monitor, assess, and support all learners effectively, allowing for seamless differentiation according to individual ability.
3. Identifying Needs
We liaise closely with feeder schools to gather comprehensive information on additional needs before a student arrives in September. Our Coordinator contacts families by March to facilitate a smooth, collaborative transition.
4. Student Assessment
We actively monitor pupil progress to ensure that needs identified post-primary are addressed promptly. Should concerns regarding academic or social-emotional development arise, we organise formal meetings to discuss potential external assessments or agency referrals.
5. Special Needs Assistants
Our SNAs are vital members of the Support Department. They work closely with support teachers, parents, and students daily to provide the necessary care and assistance required for students to engage fully with school life.
6. Transition Programmes
We prioritise a seamless move from primary school. Through friendship interventions and relationship-building with local primary schools, we help students settle into secondary life, including summer transition initiatives for incoming first-year pupils.
7. Student Support Files
Working with external agencies (e.g., Lucena Clinic, Enable Ireland, Tusla), we create detailed Student Support Files. These documents, co-created with parents and students, outline strengths, needs, and targets, with reviews held periodically to ensure optimal intervention.
8. Organisational Support
We prioritise first-year success by embedding robust routines. Our support includes guidance on organising materials, managing timetables, setting homework schedules, and prioritising academic goals to foster long-term independence.
Need More Information?
For further details on our support strategies, please contact the school office. The AEN Lead Teacher for your child’s year group would be delighted to discuss our provision with you.
National Framework & Guidelines
Davitt College operates in strict alignment with Department of Education standards. These documents provide the national roadmap for effective Special Education Teaching (SET) and inclusive post-primary practice.