Four Laois schools get new special classes
Heywood Community School in Ballinakill is among the schools approved for an additional special class. File image
FOUR schools in Laois have received the go-ahead to provide additional classes for children with special needs.
Three primary schools and one secondary school in the county will have new special classes when the next school year starts in September.
Heywood Community School in Ballinakill, Our Lady’s Meadow NS in Durrow and both Scoil Phádraig and Presentation Primary School in Portarlington have each been approved for one additional special class.
The announcement for the 2026/2027 school year was made by the Department of Education on 12 January.
Each special class provides six places for students, with one teacher and two special needs assistants (SNAs) at primary level. At post-primary level, each special class is allocated two SNAs and 1.5 teaching posts.
The additional special classes have to be accommodated in existing classrooms or other space within the schools.
Welcoming the announcement, Laois TD Seán Fleming complimented management and staff at all four schools, as well as all those involved in progressing the projects to this stage.
He said in a statement: ‘Providing new additional classes and learning places for children with special needs is very important. I look forward to these new special classes and the new students being in place for the next school year.’
