Waterford Fine Gael Senator John Cummins has welcomed the news that 12 new Autism classrooms will open for the academic year 2024/25. The news was confirmed to Senator Cummins by his Fine Gael party colleague Minister of State with responsibility for Special Education & Inclusion, Hildegarde Naughton TD.
Senator Cummins said “This is an area that I am exceptionally passionate about and I am delighted to have worked with Minister Naughton to ensure there will be 7 new Primary and 5 new post primary classrooms for students with additional needs in place in Waterford for the next academic year. I am particularly happy to see Glor na Mara opening a classroom because I have been pursuing additional places in Tramore for over twelve months.
“I acknowledge that there is still more needed in terms of the availability of specific classrooms for students with additional needs in Waterford, with some areas experiencing particular pinch points, however I think what we are seeing for the forthcoming academic year is a significant leap forward.
“I engage with parents and representative groups all the time because I strongly believe that providing adequate supports and resources for Autistic students is good for the individual students and the wider school community.
The following new Autism classrooms will open in September 2024;
“I want to compliment the principals and school communities that have prioritised the provision of Autism Classrooms in their schools. It is regrettable that we still see some schools resisting the opening of Autism classrooms and I will continue to work with Minister Hildegarde Naughton to ensure further progress is achieved in this area.
Senator Cummins continued: “As someone who comes from an educational background, I have seen firsthand the benefits which flow from having ASD classrooms within the school community. Not only is it a really positive thing for students with additional needs, it’s also important for the wider school population in teaching empathy, understanding and inclusion”.
“I am on record as saying that I believe every school at primary and post primary level should have specific provision for students with additional needs. Autistic classrooms provide a smaller classroom environment where students can learn and flourish. While we still have a way to go to get to that point, we have made positive strides towards ensuring more families in Waterford are able to get an appropriate place close to home”.
He concluded by saying “I also have to acknowledge the advocacy groups whom I have worked with in this area. I share their passion and drive to ensure we have adequate resources and school places for their children and I will continue to work collaboratively with them in the time ahead”.
Minister Hildegarde Naughton said “I would like to thank Sen. Cummins for his ongoing representations for the delivery of Special Education facilities for children across Waterford. John and I share the same vision for an inclusive education system that works for all children and young people.
“Almost 13000 new special classes have been sanctioned in the past four years and for the coming school year there will be over 3000 special classes operating in primary and post primary schools across the country. I would like to convey my deep gratitude to all of the schools who have agreed to open classrooms for the coming academic year and I look forward to continuing our work together on behalf of students with additional needs.