Plans for specialist provision classrooms for Dunloy school submitted to Causeway Coast and Glens Council
Plans for two Specialist Provision (SP) classrooms at a Dunloy school to support pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN) or disabilities, have been submitted to Council.
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Planning Department recently received a planning application for the SP classrooms for St Joseph’s Primary School.
According to an accompanying Planning Statement, the classrooms provide an environment that facilitates all attendees to be as fully integrated within the school without experiencing unnecessary stress and anxiety, creating a learning environment that gives a sense of security while providing a comfortable mixture of space for being alone and mixing with others.
“Northern Ireland is introducing specialist provision classes and reforming classroom support in mainstream schools to manage a major rise in SEN,” the statement added.
“The Special Education Strategic Plan 2022-27: Planning for Special Education Provision is the first regional plan to focus on creating special education provision that ensures all pupils in special schools and specialist provision have the opportunity to achieve their full potential.
“The plan states that to meet the needs of children and young people with a Statement of SEN and for SP, Area Planning will seek to provide – availability at their nearest suitable school with specialist provision; pupils with equitable access to excellent provision that meets the individual needs of the child or young person; pathways in specialist provision for all ages and stages of development; for changing educational, physical and medical needs; and inclusivity, providing opportunities for education alongside mainstream peers.”
Plans also include a separate, enclosed safe play area, which is a requirement for SEN classrooms.