Principal: Mr.Pádraig Ó hArtaigh Deputy Principal: Ms. Louise Enright Class Teachers: Ms. Mary O’Shea Ms. Áine Walsh/Ms. Maria Moore Ms. Fiona O’Brien Ms.Emma Murray Ms. Kim Daly ` Mr. Mark Nugent Mr. John Coffey Ms. Mary Beresford S.N.A.’s Ms. Anita Duggan Mr. Deaglán Ó hArtaigh Mr. Tomás de Faoite Ms. Nicola Fitzgerald Ms. Lorraine Coughlan
Introductory Statement: This policy document was drawn up:
To ensure equality of access to all pupils and staff in the school environment.
To ensure that no condition be allowed hinder a person’s participation in school life.
Rationale: The policy was re-drafted because:
Legislation in relation to equality of access has been activated such as:
Employment Equality Act 1998
Education Act 1998
Equality Status Act 2000
To promote the principles of justice and equality for all in accessing and participating in the curriculum as provided by Scoil Naomh Gobnait.
Links to School Ethos: Scoil Naomh Gobnait is a co-educational equal opportunities school where all pupils are helped to achieve their potential and are enabled to actively participate in all school activities regardless of physical disability, gender, race, religion or learning disability. We also commit to prepare each and every pupil for life by promoting value and respect for all. The schools mission statement promotes the spirit of inclusiveness and the principles of equality.
Aims and Objectives:
To instil a sense of pride in our own culture whilst simultaneously cultivating an understanding of the value of cultural diversity.
Ensuring compliance with all requirements of legislation.
Promoting equal opportunities in an environment where diversity is respected, valued and celebrated.
Organisational Procedures
Enrolment: All pupils are welcome to enrol regardless of race, religion, gender, family status, disability or whether or not they are a member of the ‘Travelling Community’. Arrangements are made on enrolment or later for families who do not wish their children to participate in religion, R.S.E. or other curriculum areas.
Interviewing: The Board of Management is an equal opportunities employer as per the Equal Status Act 2000, and the Employment Equality Act 1998. No discriminatory questions on the grounds of gender, sexual orientation, family status etc. will be asked during the interview process. Correct procedures for promotion will be strictly adhered to as per the CPSMA handbook and fair and equitable measures in relation to post of responsibility, maternity leave, career breaks, etc.
Communication: The school has a policy of communicating with both parents on pupil progress where divorce or separation is an issue, unless a court ruling prescribes differently.
Induction and Teaching: The school infant enrolment form gathers all the information the school will need to address issues of inequality, such as family background, medical concerns and learning or physical disabilities. This enables the school to access relevant supports such as language teachers, SNA’s and teaching materials. There is regular communication between the class teacher and parents prior to and during the child’s early school life. All teaching materials acquired are chosen and used in a manner reflecting diversity. All teachers share information which is updated annually. The school promotes non academic activities such as hurling, football, camogie, basketball, art, music etc. in a manner which is favourable to all sexes, races and religions. Classes are split (where necessary) on a non-academic, non-gender basis. Special efforts are made to avoid stereotyping when designating tasks and presenting classroom materials, organising, playing games, selecting songs, organising art/craft activities etc. Each teacher also conducts sessions on equality and gender equity. Teachers endeavour at all times to ensure that their classroom interaction practices are balanced and inclusive for both boys and girls. Allocation of jobs in the classroom and around the school includes both boys and girls.
Curriculum Access: The school endeavours to enable all pupils to access all curriculums which shall enable pupils to engage in appropriate intellectually stimulating work. All children are given an opportunity to engage in integration and appreciate other cultures and languages. Special arrangements are made for children of non nationals and children with specific learning difficulties in relation to the teaching of Irish. Exemptions are sought for children of non-nationals who enrol in 3rd class or higher and for children with a psychological report recommending exemption from Irish, subject to parental consent and in keeping with the professional recommendation of the class teacher. SESE offers many areas where diversity and differences can be celebrated. Geography lessons will focus on people, food and the physical features of other countries. S.P.H.E. strands such as ‘Myself and Others’ are also used to celebrate different cultures.
Special Needs: The school has one fulltime LST(learning support teacher) and one part time LST based in our school school and one full time SNA. Children with special needs in mainstream have access to learning support and resource hours in addition to full time mainstream integration.
Evaluation of Policy: The policy is subject to continual review under the following:
All pupils accessing the curriculum at a level appropriate to their needs.
Increased awareness of difference and acceptance of same.
Maintaining a happy school atmosphere.
Staff and parental satisfaction.
Improvement in pupil attainment level in academic and social areas.