Student Supports & SEN
At Killorglin Community College, inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. We believe that every student should feel supported, challenged, and confident to succeed. Our support structures follow the Continuum of Support model recommended by the Department of Education:
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For All – Whole-school and classroom strategies that benefit every student.
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For Some – Targeted programmes that give extra help where it’s needed.
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For a Few – Specialist, individualised supports for students with higher levels of need.
This layered model ensures that students receive the right support at the right time, both in mainstream classrooms and through tailored programmes.
Whole-School & Classroom Support (for all)
Support begins in the mainstream classroom. Every student benefits from whole-school strategies that make learning accessible and engaging:
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Teachers use differentiation and literacy/numeracy strategies as part of our DEIS plan.
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We apply Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles across subjects, ensuring flexible, student-centred approaches.
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Group tables in many classrooms encourage collaboration, peer learning, and inclusive participation.
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CAT scores, analysed through Athena Analytics, help us set realistic but ambitious learning targets for each student.
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IXL and Athena are used by all students to strengthen English and Maths skills in class and at home.
Support Programmes (for some)
Some students benefit from additional support beyond the classroom. These programmes build confidence, reinforce key skills, and promote success:
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JCSP initiatives in literacy, numeracy, and wellbeing.
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Paired reading and paired maths, often linking TY students with First Years.
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Mario, our autism service dog, joined us in September through My Canine Companion. Mario plays a valuable role in reducing stress, supporting social interaction, and helping students feel safe and calm in school.
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Small-group interventions designed to improve study skills, motivation, and resilience.
Support Plus (for a few)
For students with higher or more complex needs, we provide targeted and specialist supports:
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Individual or small-group withdrawal for literacy, numeracy, social, or behavioural support.
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Adapted curriculum pathways, including Level 2 Learning Programmes (L2LPs) and modified subject loads, always developed in consultation with the SENCO, NEPS psychologist, parents/guardians, and teachers.
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Individual learning plans are in place for students with additional needs. These are created in partnership with parents/guardians and regularly reviewed by teachers to track progress and adjust goals.
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Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) provide direct support for students with additional care needs, ensuring safety, inclusion, and access to learning.
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Close partnerships with NEPS and other external agencies to ensure the best possible provision.
Rang Sonas – Our ASD Support Class
Rang Sonas is our dedicated support class for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and it has become an intrinsic part of school life at Killorglin Community College.
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Inclusive by design – Students in Rang Sonas are, in the main, fully integrated into mainstream classes, while also accessing tailored supports in Rang Sonas as needed.
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Skilled support – With its dedicated teachers and SNAs, Rang Sonas provides a strong safety net that makes mainstream learning possible while ensuring additional support is always available.
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Beyond academics – The focus is on developing self-regulation, social skills, friendships, life skills, and wellbeing.
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Partnership approach – We work closely with students, families, and the wider school community to help each student flourish across all aspects of school life.
Rang Sonas is more than a class — it’s a community within our community, built on care, inclusion, and opportunity.
Transition Programme
Moving from primary to post-primary is a big step. Our transition programme is designed to help students settle in with confidence, with a particular focus on those with additional needs. It includes:
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Orientation activities and early induction.
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Peer mentoring and buddy supports.
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Close collaboration with parents, guardians, and primary schools.
This programme has been recognised as a strength of our school and continues to be an important part of how we support students at key stages of their education.
Communication & Collaboration
We believe support works best when parents, teachers, and students work together.
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Parents/guardians are kept informed through reports, parent–teacher meetings, and regular communication with the SEN team and Year Heads.
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Teachers regularly review student goals to monitor progress and ensure supports are effective.
At Killorglin Community College, our SEN and Student Support provision is about more than extra help — it is about giving every student the chance to belong, to learn, and to succeed.