Special Education Needs

Definition of Special Educational Needs

A special educational need is a learning difficulty which calls for special provision to be made.

A pupil has a learning difficulty if she/he has significantly greater difficulty in learning than the majority of children of that age group, and has a disability which hinders the use of everyday educational facilities.

Special educational provision is provision which is different from, or in addition to, the provision made generally for that age group.

In Ballykeigle, pupils will be considered to have special educational needs if they have difficulty coping with the differentiated activities generally provided in class.

Principles of Special Needs Provision

All pupils with special educational needs must have their needs addressed.

Pupils with special educational needs should have the greatest possible access to a broad and balanced education. Most pupils with special educational needs, including those with statements, should be educated in mainstream schools.

The involvement of parents is essential. A partnership through assessment, delivery and review is a key element of the Code. Provision should match the nature of the pupil's needs.