SN Cnoc an Teampaill,
Achadh an Iúir,
Co. an Chabháin
Knocktemple NS,
Virginia,
Co. Cavan
[email protected]
049 8547081
Roll No. 17625L
ENROLMENT / ADMISSIONS POLICY
INTRODUCTION
The Board of Management of Knocktemple N.S. is setting out its enrolment and admissions
policy in accordance with the provisions of the Education Act, 1998. This policy is set out in
accordance with the provisions of the Education Act 1998, the EPSEN Act 2000 and the
Education Welfare Act 2002.The Board trusts that by so doing parents will be assisted in
relation to enrolment matters. The Chairperson of the Board of Management or the Principal
Teacher will be happy to clarify any further matters arising from the policy.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Name of school:
Knocktemple N.S. (Cnoc an Teampaill)
Address of school:
Knocktemple, Virginia, Co Cavan.
Roll Number:
17625 L
Telephone Number:
049-8547081
E-mail address: [email protected]
Website: www.knocktemplens.ie
 Knocktemple is a Catholic school under the patronage of the Catholic Bishop of Kilmore.
 The school currently has twelve full time and two shared teachers, as follows:
- 1 Administrative Principal
- 6 mainstream class teachers
- 1 Learning support teacher ( 1 shared Learning Support Teacher)
- 1 Resource Teacher ( 1 shared Resource Teacher)
- 3 Special Education Teachers in the ASD classes.
 There is also a unit for children who have been diagnosed with ASD (Autistic Spectrum
Disorder). We call these classes Cairde 1, 2 and 3.
 The first of the classes for the children on the ASD were established in 2007, funded and
resourced by the Department of Education and Skills (DES). This school policy has
regard to the funding, resources, services and space available.
 The school follows the curricular programmes prescribed by the DES, which may be
amended from time to time, in accordance with the Education Act (1998).
 The school depends on the grants and teaching resources provided by the Department of
Education and Science and it operates within the regulations laid down, from time to
time, by the Department. School Policy must have regard to the resources and funding
available.
Within the context and parameters of Department regulations and programmes, the rights of
the patron as set out in the Education Act, and the funding and resources available, the school
supports the principles of:
 Inclusiveness, particularly with reference to the enrolment of children with a disability or
other special educational need.
 Equality of access and participation in the school.
 Respect for diversity of values, beliefs, traditions and ways of life in society.
 Parental choice in relation to enrolment.
PROCEDURES FOR ENROLMENT
1. Pupils who have reached four years of age and who have not previously been enrolled in
a primary school will be enrolled the first day of the new school year.
2. Pupils may be enrolled in Junior Infants up to 30th September but may not normally be
enrolled any later in the school year.
3. Children under the age of four years will not be enrolled under any circumstances.
4. New pupils who are transferring from another primary school may be enrolled at any time
during the school year, where a change of residence is involved.
5. Where no change of residence is involved, pupils may normally only be transferred at the
beginning of a quarter (i.e. 1st September, 1st October, 1st January or 1st April). Children
may, however, be enrolled on producing a letter from the Board of Management of their
former school.
6. Certain information will be required when children are being enrolled. A specific
enrolment application form is provided by the Board for this purpose. The form must be
completed by the parent/guardian in respect of each child proposing to enrol as a pupil in
the school. The form will include details of pupil’s full name, full postal address, pupil’s
PPS number, telephone number (or contact number), religion, occupation of
parent/guardian, previous schools attended (if any), general health, transport requirements
and any other relevant information. The enrolment form must be signed by at least one
parent/guardian.
7. In the event that applications for enrolment exceed available places applicant children
will be enrolled strictly in accordance with the following criteria and in the following
order:
A. Children living within the parish boundary, and sisters and brothers of pupils in the
school:
B. Children living outside the parish boundary, who do not have a catholic school within
their own parish boundary:
C. Children of current staff, including ancillary staff.
D. Other children living within the parish boundary:
E. Other children living outside the parish boundary:
F. In the event that priority requires to be given to children within any one of the above
categories, older children will be given priority.
8. The Board will arrange a meeting for parents of prospective new pupils in the May/June
before pupils are due to enrol. Parents and prospective pupils will be encouraged to visit
the school prior to enrolment.
9. The Board will communicate generally to the school community through school
newsletters, parish bulletin and the appropriate media, outlining the application for
enrolment procedures.
10. Parents who wish to enrol a child in the ASD unit are advised that while everything in
this policy is applicable, there is an additional policy specifically relating to enrolment in
the unit. See Appendix A.
Exceptional Circumstances
The school reserves the right to refuse enrolment to any pupil in exceptional cases. Such an
exceptional case could arise where either:
1. The pupil has special needs such that, with additional resources available from
the Department of Education and Skills, the school cannot meet such needs
and / or provide the pupil with an appropriate education or
2. In the opinion of the Board of Management, the pupil poses an unacceptable
risk to other pupils, to staff or to school property.
The parents of any pupil who has been refused enrolment, for any reason, are
entitled to appeal that refusal pursuant to section 29 of the Education Act 1998,
and in such circumstances will be advised in writing of their entitlement to such
an appeal.
DECISION – MAKING
Decisions in relation to applications for enrolment are made by the Board of Management of
the school in accordance with school policy.
 No pupil will be refused enrolment on the basis of social class, religious denomination or
ethnic origin.
 The Board must have regard for any Department guidelines in relation to class size,
staffing provisions or accommodation requirements, such as physical space or the health
and welfare of children.
 As part of the process of decision – making, the Board shall exercise its discretion in the
application of the criteria for admission, having regard to the guidelines referred to in the
previous paragraph.
 In relation to applications for enrolment of children with special needs, the Board of
Management may request a copy of the child’s medical and / or psychological report or
where such a report is not available, to request that the child be assessed immediately.
The purpose of the assessment report is to assist the school in establishing the educational
needs of the child relevant to his / her disability and to profile the support service
required. The school will meet with the parents of the child to discuss the child’s needs
and the school’s suitability or capability in meeting those needs.
 As a general principle, enrolment of children with a disability or special educational need
will not normally be deferred or postponed until additional resources have been approved
or allocated by the Department or local SENO.
RATIFICATION
 The original Enrolment / Admissions Policy was discussed and ratified at a meeting of the
Board of Management of Knocktemple N.S. on 14th November 2001.
 The Enrolment / Admissions Policy was reviewed by the Board in June 2008 and
submitted to the Patron for approval
 Following approval by the Patron, the Enrolment / Admissions Policy was ratified at a
meeting of the Board of Management on 11th December 2008.
 The Enrolment /Admissions Policy was reviewed by the Board at a meeting of the board
on 5th November 2012.
 The Enrolment /Admissions Policy was discussed by the staff of the school in
collaboration with parents during the 2016 – 2017 school year and it was reviewed and
discussed by the Board at a meeting on the 13th December 2016.
 The Enrolment /Admissions Policy was reviewed, discussed and ratified by the Board of
Management on 2nd March 2017.
Ratified by the Board of Management on
Signed:
__________________________ Signed: _____________________________
Chairperson of Board of Management
Principal
Appendix A
Enrolment Policy For Cairde (ASD) Classes
INTRODUCTION
The Board of Management of Knocktemple N.S. has developed this policy for the Autism
unit in conjunction with the overall policy for the school. This policy is set out in accordance
with the provisions of the Education Act 1998, the EPSEN Act 2000 and the Education
Welfare Act 2002. The Board of Management trusts that by so doing parents will be assisted
in relation to enrolment matters. Furthermore, the chairperson and / or the Principal will be
happy to clarify any further matters arising from the policy.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Name of school:
Knocktemple N.S. (Cnoc an Teampaill)
Address of school:
Knocktemple, Virginia, Co Cavan.
Roll Number:
17625 L
Telephone Number:
049-8547081
E-mail address: [email protected]
Website: www.knocktemplens.ie
 Knocktemple is a Catholic school under the patronage of the Catholic Bishop of Kilmore.
 The school currently has 12 full time and 2 shared teachers, as follows:
 The school currently has twelve full time and two shared teachers, as follows:
- 1 Administrative Principal
- 6 mainstream class teachers
- 1 Learning support teacher ( 1 shared Learning Support Teacher)
- 1 Resource Teacher ( 1 shared Resource Teacher)
- 3 Special Education Teachers in the ASD classes.
 The first of the classes for the children on the Autism Spectrum were established in 2007,
funded and resourced by the Department of Education and Skills (DES). This school
policy has regard to the funding, resources, services and space available.
 The school follows the curricular programmes prescribed by the DES, which may be
amended from time to time, in accordance with the Education Act (1998).
Catchment Area
The priority bandings for enrolment in the Cairde classes will be as follows:
1. Pupils who ordinarily reside the catchment area of Knocktemple NS or who have
other siblings already in the school.
2. Pupils who ordinarily reside in the parishes of Castlerahan, Lurgan or Mullagh.
3. Subject to appropriate provision being made for pupils as defined in (1) and (2) pupils
who ordinarily reside outside, but contiguous to, those areas, will be offered places
subject to availability.
4. In all cases, places are subject to availability. If all available places in the Cairde
classes are filled, then applicants will go on a waiting list and be prioritised when
places become available.
Aim/Rationale
The aim of the enrolment and admissions policy is to ensure that a fair and consistent
procedure is used when deciding on individual applications to the Cairde classes. The Cairde
classes are set up with a view to providing an education in a mainstream setting for children
who fulfil the enrolment criteria.
Mission Statement
Our classes for ASD children are known as Cairde classes. We aim to offer a positive
meaningful educational experience, which allows the children to develop to his/her learning
potential, in a calm structured environment that offers clarity, encouragement and promotes
flexibility.
Through observing, assessing and interacting with the child an Individual Educational Plan
(IEP) will be developed in consultation with parents and input from outside agencies such as
HSE/Enable Ireland and the Child Development Team. Each child will have an annual IEP
meeting and additional informal meetings where necessary. The needs identified will be
targeted through the provision of a broad, balanced and differentiated curriculum.
Our Cairde classes offer an eclectic model of teaching including:
 TEACCH (a visual, structured teaching approach)
 PECS (picture exchange communication)
 Sensory Integration (exercise to promote healthy sensory processing)
 Development of effective integration and inclusion.
The Cairde classes aim to offer an autism specific learning environment within a mainstream
co-educational primary school. This setting facilitates optimum (effective) inclusion as part
of the school community with access to mainstream activities as appropriate.
Enrolment Criteria
The criteria for enrolment to the class, incorporating the DES and HSE policies, is as follows:
1. An enrolment form provided by the school should be filled out by the
parents/guardians on behalf of the child and returned to school.
2. This form should be accompanied by an original birth certificate.
3. To facilitate processing of applications, applications should be submitted by 28th
February each year.
4. An up to date psychological assessment or a report from HSE/Enable Ireland multidisciplinary team should be provided. A multi-disciplinary team may consist of a
Clinical Psychologist, Occupational therapist, Speech and Language Therapist, Social
Worker. All reports should be provided to the school for assessment by the
Principal/Admission team.
5. The child must have diagnosis of ASD made using the DSM-V or ICD/10 by the
psychologist. The overall IQ score/level of ability as measured in the psychological
assessment should fall within the Average to Mild General learning Disability Range.
Children who fall within the Moderate Range of Disability or below will not be
deemed suitable for enrolment.
6. The Admissions Team or a member thereof will visit and observe the child at home or
in his / her educational placement prior to admission. The Admissions Team will
normally consist of the Principal and a Special Educational Needs Teacher.
7. The Board of Management reserves the right to provisionally enrol a child for a
period of time in order to fully assess the child’s needs prior to full enrolment. The
Board then reserves the right to defer or refuse enrolment if it believes the child’s
needs cannot be properly met in this school.
8. The Board of Management (BoM) reserves the right to refuse enrolment if they
believe the school cannot meet the needs of a particular child. This decision is open to
appeal, by parents / guardians under section 29 of the Education Act, 1998.
9. All placements are subject to review at the request of the parents and / or the school.
The review may include input from the parents / guardians, relevant professionals and
the school. The reviews will take place termly and when the need arises. Following
the review a recommendation may be made that the child be enrolled in a school that
can meet his / her needs. Review will:
a. Assess the child’s educational needs
b. Develop an IEP to address identified needs
c. Assess whether the child’s placement is appropriate.
10. The maximum class size is six pupils. If the number of children on the list of
applicants to enrol exceeds the number of places available, the following criteria will
apply in priority order, beginning with number one, once a definite diagnosis of
Autism has been provided by a qualified professional.
1. Pupils who ordinarily reside the catchment area of Knocktemple NS or who
have other siblings already in the school
2. Pupils who ordinarily reside in the parishes of Castlerahan, Lurgan or Mullagh
3. Subject to appropriate provision being made for pupils as defined in (1) and
(2) pupils who ordinarily reside outside, but contiguous to, those areas, will be
offered places subject to availability
4. In all cases, places are subject to availability. If all available places in the
Cairde classes are filled, then applicants will go on a waiting list and be
prioritised when places become available
5. If spaces are still available, places will be allocated as per waiting list, once an
assessment has been made by the admission team.
6. Where one or more eligible applications exist priority will be given to the
earliest application received.
11. When a pupil has been offered a placement in the school, this will be referred to the
local Special Education Needs Organiser (SENO) for approval.
12. In line with the school’s code of conduct, the Board may decide to suspend or expel a
child. This decision is open to appeal, by parents / guardians under section 29, of the
Education Act, 1998.
13. The BoM policy currently states that in present circumstances, the school will
accommodate three classes for children with autism.
14. Where a child is already attending another school, the BoM will require an assessment
by a relevant professional which recommends that such a transfer would be of benefit
to the child and would be in the child’s long term best interests.
15. When an applicant is successful for entry into the Cairde (ASD) class, the principal
will make an application on behalf of this pupil for school transport, to the local
SENO, provided that this is required by and agreed with parents.
16. Under the Education Act, 1998, the school’s enrolment / admissions policy is subject
to any directions which may be issued from time to time by the Minister of Education
and Skills.
17. In making a decision the Board of Management will consider all the above criteria
and the decision of the board will be final.
Partnership with Parents
The family and home are central to the social and intellectual development of the child and
the nurturing of good, moral values. The school and the family strive to be mutually
supportive and respectful of each other so that the child’s education can be effective. All the
stakeholders aim to work for the benefit of the child and their learning.
Parents are encouraged to:

Develop close links with the school

Participate in meetings in a positive and respectful manner, affirming the professional
role of the staff and all staff members in the school

Collaborate with the school in developing the full potential of their children

Share the responsibility of seeing that the school remains true to its ethos, values and
distinctive character

Become actively involved in the school/parent association

Familiarise themselves with school procedures, practices and policies eg. Child
Protection Policy – see school booklet and website

Participate in policy and decision-making processes affecting them.
Mainstream Inclusion
See Inclusion and Integration policy
Individual Education Plan (I.E.P.)
Individual Education Plan: An Individual Education Plan (IEP) is a written document
prepared for a named student which specifies the learning goals that are to be achieved by the
student over a set period of time and the teaching strategies, resources and supports necessary
to achieve those goals. Formal meetings will be held annually with the schools NEPS
psychologist, parent/guardian, teacher and principal. Meetings can be held thereafter on an
informal basis.
Transitions
Individualised programmes will be devised in consultation with the post primary school
based on the child’s needs. This may also involve school visits.
Staff Training and Development


Communication to all staff regarding upcoming CPD/SESS courses
Monthly ASD team meetings



New and incoming staff to observe current teaching
New/Incoming teachers to complete TEACCH course and Introduction to ASD
Where possible incoming teachers will be made aware of allocation in previous
January
How the school will be supported by external agencies
 NEPS – School will avail of support from assigned NEPS psychologist
 NCSE- SENO will support school in the allocation of resources and will have input in
the enrolment process
 HSE/ Enable Ireland- Support in areas such as O.T. / S.L.T & C.A.M.H.S.
 Social workers will also liaise with the school
 Middletown Professional Development- Advice and support for staff and parents
 SESS – Professional development
RATIFICATION
This enrolment policy for the ASD unit was ratified, subject to legal scrutiny, by the
Board of Management of Knocktemple N.S. at a meeting on 25th September 2007.
This enrolment policy was amended at a subsequent meeting of the Board of
Management on 12th June 2009. It was reviewed by the staff during the school years 2014
- 2016
This enrolment policy was reviewed and amended on 8th November 2016.
This policy was discussed by the Board of Management at a meeting on 13th December
2016.
Discharge Policy
It is school policy to facilitate the discharge of pupils from the Cairde classes once they have
reached the age of twelve or finished their eight years of primary school education. Discharge
may also be recommended if the school admissions team, after consultation with the
parents/guardian, feel that placement is not appropriate. Discharge from the Cairde classes
may also happen if a pupil is fully integrated into the mainstream school.
Evaluation
The Board of Management will monitor the implementation of all aspects of this policy. This
policy will be amended and updated as required. The policy will be reviewed during the 2018
– 2019 school year. Ratified by the Board of Management on 2nd March 2017.
Signed:
__________________________ Signed: _____________________________
Chairperson of Board of Management
Principal