John Kearney

Intent: Reduce class size to 19 in mainstream schools and to 15 in Deis band 1 schools; Agree amount of time with sub cover to be made available to school staff for collaborative activitiesThe provision of two weekly leadership and management days per teaching principal The reduction of the appointment figures for admin principals to 150 pupils and admin deputy principals to 400 pupilsThe availability of release time for deputy principals who do not have admin deputy principals::Provide time and resources for teacher professional development regarding the Guidance on Preparation for Teaching and LearningDeliver guidance around school policies for communication with parents Supply holistic support for children with special educational needs such as therapy services, behaviour supports and socio-emotional counselling.

Details: Meeting to discuss and progress the INTO Congress Resolution on Special Education

Intent: To receive an update on Special Education issues such as school places and in school therapies

Details: SPecial Education Consultative Forum

Intent: To receive an update on progress regarding Autism class and special school places for the school year 2025-26 from the NCSE.

Details: Meeting on School Places

Intent: To enhance structural supports available to schools and school leaders supporting SEN children

Details: NCSE and IPPN Meeting - To Discuss Special Education Provision and Special Classes

Intent: Members of our organisation engaged with the National Council for Special Education through its Consultative Forum about our priorities for educating children and young people with intellectual disabilities.

Details: NCSE Consultative Forum

Intent: Meeting of the All-Party group to discuss key issues facing the Autistic community including education, health services and employment.

Details: Meeting of the Parliamentary Group on Autism

Intent: Secure rights-based national guidelines

Details: Highlighting the need for new national guidelines on school Codes of Behaviour to be compliant with the rights of Autistic students

Intent: Changes to public policy to provide for a rights-based, robust and child-centred framework to protect Autistic children from seclusion and restaint

Details: Held an event to launch AsIAm and Inclusion Ireland campaign on seclusion/restraint in Irish schools

Intent: Support for World Autism Day and the work of AsIAm::Improved understanding and public policy on the barriers Autistic people experience

Details: Invited a range of public officials to the Same Chance Breakfast marking World Autism Day

Intent: Ensure adequate school places for Autistic students::Ensure Autistic students have the same chance to access the curriculum and thrive in school

Details: Held regular engagement with the NCSE and Department of Education on access to quality education for Autistic students