The Department is providing an extension to St. Conleth’s, Vocational School in Newbridge which will include 552 m2 of accommodation for children with special needs. The project has been devolved for delivery to the Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB). Unfortunately, it was not ready in time for the new school year due to a small number of snagging and defects issues. The handover of the project is currently delayed due to the need to resolve some drainage issues. KWETB is doing everything possible to address these issues as a matter of priority and to ensure that every student with special needs who is waiting to occupy the new building in St. Conleth’s Vocational School can do so as soon as possible.
In the meantime, the National Council for Special Education(NCSE) is continuing to work with the school and the parents to ensure that the appropriate supports are in place, including application for home tuition. Where there is no placement available for a child with Special Educational Needs, my Department will consider applications under the Home Tuition Grant Scheme, where a student can receive up to 20 hours home tuition per week as an interim measure until a placement becomes available.
