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St. Malachy’s B.N.S.
Edenmore, Raheny
Dublin 5.
Roll No. 18968A
Phone: 8478952
Fax: 8478954
Email:
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Web Site: www.st-malachys.com
St. Malachy's B.N.S. is an all boys school under the patronage of the Dublin Archdiocese.
The enrolment policy for St. Malachy’s B.N.S. Edenmore was previously reviewed in March 2007 in conjunction with Principal Mr. Eamonn O’Dúlainn, Staff of St. Malachy’s B.N.S. Parents of children attending St. Malachy’s B.N.S. and the Board of Management. It was then ratified by the Board of Management in March 2007.
In March 2011 the review process of the enrolment policy began as advised by the C.P.S.M.A following framework template provided. This review of the enrolment policy involved participation by Principal Gráinne Roche, Staff of St. Malachy’s B.N.S., Board of Management and Parents.
This policy has been formulated in order to ensure that the ethos of St. Malachy’s B.N.S. Edenmore is upheld.
St. Malachy’s B.N.S. is a school under Catholic Management established in connection with the Minister for Education which aims at promoting the full and harmonious development of all aspects of the person of the pupil; intellectual, physical, cultural, moral and spiritual, including a living relationship with God and with other people. The school models and promotes a philosophy inspired by belief in God and in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Catholic school provides Religious Education for the pupils in accordance with the doctrines, practices and tradition of the Roman Catholic Church and promotes the formation of the pupils in the Catholic Faith.
A child will only be refused provided such refusal is essential to maintain the Ethos of the school (section 7 (3) (c) Equal Status Act 2000.
The aim of St. Malachy’s B.N.S. , what we seek to achieve by having this policy in place is:
Ø To give parents and community clarity on our admissions procedure
Ø To enable St. Malachy’s B.N.S. prepare for incoming pupils, and ensure adequate resources are in place to meet the needs of the pupils.
St. Malachy’s B.N.S. Edenmore is a D.E.I.S. (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) Band 1, vertical national school catering for boys from Junior Infants – Sixth Class, including two A.S.D. classes catering for children on the autistic spectrum, one M.G.L.D. class catering for children with mild general learning difficulties with the exception of Early Start (mixed gender catering for three year olds).
Appendix 1 M.G.L.D
Appendix 2 A.S.D1
Appendix 3 A.S.D 2
Appendix 4 Early Start
As part of D.E.I.S. Band 1, the average class size of Infant Classes in St. Malachy’s is 20 pupils. In the middle and senior classes Rang 1 – Rang 6, the maximum class size is 24 pupils. In the A.S.D. class the maximum is 6 pupils and in the M.G.L.D class the maximum is 11 pupils.
At the time of the formulation of this policy there are 23 teachers including the Principal, sanctioned by the Department of Education and Skills.
10 mainstream teachers
1 D.E.I.S. Band 1 teacher
1 Disadvantaged Post
6 Resource/Learning Support
2 ASD Austitic Spectrum Disorder
1 MGLD Mild General Learning Difficulties
1 Early Start
1 E.A.L. (English as an Additional Language)
St. Malachy’s share a Home School Community Liaison Coordinator with the two other parish schools – St. Monica’s Infant School and St. Eithne’s Senior Girls School. We have one childcare worker assigned to Early Start. S.C.P. provide attendance monitor/socialisation assistant and funding for Maths Support Teacher. There are fourteen Special Needs Assistants (S.N.A.) sanctioned by the N.C.S.E. (National Council for Special Education and D.E.S. (Department of Education and Skills) to cater for the care needs and inclusion of children with special educational needs.
The school is funded by Department of Education and Skills grant assistance.
The school follows the curricular programmes prescribed by the D.E.S., which may be amended from time to time in accordance with Section 9 and 30 of the Education Act (1998)
School begins at 8.50am. The Board of Management foes not accept responsibility for the supervision of pupils before 8.40am. Dismissal time for Infant Classes is 1.30pm, 1st Class is 2.00pm and 2nd – 6th class is 2.30pm.
St. Malachy’s B.N.S. operates under the Rules for National Schools and Departmental Circulars and is funded by grants. Staff is resourced by the Department of Education and Skills.
The school is subject to the Education Act (1998), The Education Welfare ACT (2000), The Education Welfare Act (2000). The Education for Persons with Special Education Needs Act (2004), equality law and all other legislation.
The Admissions Policy
The Admissions Policy has been formulated in accordance with the provisions of the Education Act 1998 in order to assist Parents in relation to enrolment matters. The Chairperson of the Board of Management or the Principal will be happy to clarify any further matters arising from the policy.
Application Procedure
Parents/Guardians wishing to enroll their child in St. Malachy’s should call to the school to register their interest. This may be done at anytime.
Junior Infants
It is usual to register children for enrolment in the third term after advertisements in the school, local health clinic, parish newsletter, playschools, parent’s rooms, youth centre and EDIT offices. Parents of prospective Junior Infants will be invited to a meeting to familiarize themselves with matters relating to the school, introduced to the Code of Behaviour and Enrolment Policy. Application forms for Junior Infants will be sent out, to be completed and returned on dates specified for that school year.
Junior Infants
Parents/Guardians who have children for admission to other classes will be interviewed and offered places subject to space being available under D.E.I.S. Band 1 guidelines and agreement to abide by the Code of Behaviour. This placement will be sanctioned by the Board of Management
Admission to Junior Infants normally takes place on the first day of the academic year. Any child who has not reached his fourth birthday cannot be enrolled at any time Rule 64 of the National School and D.E.S. Primary Circular 24/2002.
Parents/Guardians who make application for their children will be informed of the school decision within 21 days of receiving a completed application (Section 19 (3) Education (Welfare) Act 2000)
Admission is regulated in accordance with current Irish Statutory Law.
Final decisions in relation to application for enrolment are made by the Board of Management.
Pupils enrolled in St. Malachy’s B.N.S. are required to co-operate with and support the school’s Code of Behaviour as well as all other policies. A copy of the Code of Behaviour is issued to all parents/guardians on enrolment. Each parent/guardian is required to sign an agreement form undertaking to uphold the code and ensure that their child co-operates with same.
Failure to sign the agreement may result in the Board of Management’s refusal to enroll the pupil. (Ref Section 23 (4) of the Education Welfare Act 2000).
The enrolment application form seeks the following information
1. Name, address and date of birth of pupil
2. Name and address of parents/guardians
3. Mothers occupation
4. Fathers occupation
5. Contact telephone numbers of parent/guardian
6. Name, address and telephone number of emergency contact
7. Birth Certificate
8. Baptismal Certificate(for Sacramental preparation if applicable)
9. Health
a. Details of medical conditions of which the school should be aware.
10. Religion
11. Previous education/schools attended (if any)
12. Reasons for transfer (if applicable)
13. Any other relevant information.
It is important to realise that the format of name as written on the application form will be entered in the school register. The Irish version of the name will be used in the school roll book when possible. Parents/Guardians who wish to alter the name entered in the roll book due to changed circumstances must make an application to the Board of Management in writing and provide necessary documentation. The new version will be used at the beginning of the academic year. Please note however that the name entered on the school register cannot be altered.
On enrolment parents/guardians are given a copy of the Code Behaviour, and made aware of the Attendance Policy, Anti Bullying Policy, R.S.E. (Relationships and Sexuality Education) Stay Safe, Child Protection Policies. Parents/Guardians must indicate on application forms that they agree to abide by their content.
On application parents/guardians sign to give permission or not for display of photographs using child’s image, to provide required books, for child to receive learning support, for child to participate in tours/field trips, for child to be part of a group or individually be addressed by N.E.P.S. psychologist in the event of critical incident.
On completion of an application form the prospective pupils will be offered places based on the following criteria and in the order written.
Criteria for selection
1. Catholic boys living in the parish agreeing to the Catholic ethos of St. Malachy’s B.N.S.
2. Boys being minded by grandparents in the area.
3. Brothers of pupils already attending the school.
4. Boys who have participated in the Early Start Project in St. Malachy’s and local playgroups and early education centres.
5. Sons of former pupils of the three parish schools – St. Malachy’s, St. Eithne’s, St. Monica’s.
6. Sons of parents will are willing to take an active part in their children’s education
7. Children with Special Needs/Disadvantaged children who are 4 years on or before September 1st on year of entry
8. Catholic boys living outside the parish boundary who do not have a Catholic school within their own parish boundary.
9. Other children living within the parish boundary.
10. Other children living outside the parish boundary.
11. Children of current staff, including ancillary staff.
In the event that there are more applicants within any category than there are available places priority will be given to children within the particular category in order of age, starting with the oldest.
Decision Making
The Board of Management determines the maximum number of children in the school based on the Department of Education’s recommended enrolment at the time.
Introduction of New Pupils/Parents/Guardians to School
Parents/Guardians of all new entrants are invited to a meeting when they are given an opportunity to meet the Principal, Class Teacher, Learning Support Teacher, Home School Community Liaison Coordinator. Parents are given information about the lunch policy, starting times, school uniform, tracksuit, attendance, punctuality, school rules etc.
A booklet with all this relevant information is distributed and any queries which arise are answered. The main function of this meeting is to allay any fears which parents have and to assure them that their children’s happiness and welfare are of vital importance to the teachers in the school. Children learn best when they are happy and secure. Parents are encouraged to keep in close contact and communication with the school.
Children with Special Needs
Children with special education needs are welcome in St. Malachy’s B.N.S. and every effort will be made to provide them with an appropriate education as well as including them in every aspect of school life.
Where class placement is requested for special educational needs and before enrolment parents/guardians will be invited to visit our special needs classes with their son. We cater for children with mild general learning difficulties and children on the autistic spectrum.
After meeting with the teachers and Principal the child’s needs will be discussed. The services which the school offers will be explained. The resources are sanctioned by the D.E.S.
Cognisant of the provisions of the EPSEN ACT 2004 and after study of the relevant medical/psychological/psychiatric reports on the prospective pupil an assessment will be made as to the suitability of the school to cater for the prospective pupils needs. This will be done in consultation with our S.E.N.O. (Special Education Needs Officer) where required. The child will be observed in his existing educational setting.
The Board of Management may request copies of relevant reports or request that the child be assessed immediately in order to assist the school in establishing the educational needs of the child and to profile the support services required. The Board of Management will endeavour to have all resources and supports in place before the child is admitted to the school. This may include visiting teacher services, resource teacher, special needs assistant etc. specialized equipment or furniture, transport etc.
The school will meet with the parent of the special needs child to discuss the schools suitability for the child. If considered necessary a full case conference may be called which will include parents, class teacher, learning support, resource teacher and psychologist or social worker as appropriate.
The Principal will in consultation with the Special Education Needs Teacher/Coordinator make recommendation to the Board of Management and will inform the parent/guardian of the Board’s decision.
Exceptional Circumstances:-
The school reserves the right to refuse enrolment to a pupil or withdraw a pupil in exceptional cases. Such an exceptional case could arise where either:-
1. the pupil has special needs such that, even with additional resources available from the Department of Education and Skills the school cannot meet such needs and/or provide the pupils with an appropriate education.
2. In the opinion of the Board of Management, the pupil poses an unacceptable risk to other pupils, to school staff or to school property.
Parents will have the right of appeal to the Board of Management and to the S.E.N.O. in the event of their being unhappy with any decision regarding enrolment.
Children of other faiths or no faith.
Bearing in mind the Catholic ethos of the school, every effort will be made to ensure that the school is as inclusive as possible. While Catholic education and the ethos of the school permeates the day, children of other faiths or none, where request is made in writing, will be excused from attendance at formal religious instruction classes and specifically Catholic Liturgies. AS FAR AS IS POSSIBLE, in consultation with parents, suitable alternative arrangements will be made in order to facilitate this. It will not be possible however to provide religious instruction in other faiths.
Appeals Procedure
In line with Section 28 of the Education Act 1998, parents who are dissatisfied with the enrolment decision may appeal to the Board of Management. This appeal must be addressed in writing to the Chairperson of the Board of Management stating the grounds for the appeal and lodged within ten days of receiving the refusal. Parents, if unhappy with the result of this appeal, may appeal to the Department of Education and Skills under Section 29 of the Education Act on the official form provided by the Department. An appeal form will be issued by the school to the parents/guardians. This appeal must be lodged within 42 days of receipt of the refusal from the school to enroll.
Signed:
____________________________________________ Chairperson.
_____________________________________________ Date.
Appendix 1 – MGLD
(Catering for pupils with mild general learning difficulties)
This is an appendix of our main enrolment policy and should be read/considered in relation to same.
1. A fully completed application form must be submitted to the school by parents/guardians.
2. A recent diagnosis of M.G.L.D. (I.Q. 50 – 69). This diagnosis must be made using a professionally recognised psychological assessment.
3. A recent recommendation must be provided in the psychological assessment indicating a special class placement in a mainstream school is both necessary and useful for the child.
4. Age range 7 – 13 years on enrolment in the M.G.L.D. class.
5. The Board of management deems that the school has in place within the school staffing complement and school facilities the resources to meet the special educational needs of the child.
6. The educational provision being provided to the children currently in the M.G.L.D class will not be detrimentally effected by the level of specialised intervention required by the child.
7. Parents/Guardians who make an application on behalf of their child must agree to the child being observed in their current educational/home setting to assess the suitability for placement in the M.G.L.D. class.
8. Maximum enrolment 11 pupils.
Signed: _____________________________________ Date: ________________________________
Chairperson
Appendix 2 – A.S.D. Class
(catering for children on the autistic spectrum)
This policy is an appendix of our main enrolment admission policy and should be read/considered in relation to same.
1. A fully completed application form must be submitted to the school by the parent/guardians.
2. A recent diagnosis of A.S.D. This diagnosis must be made using a professionally recognized clinical and psychological assessment procedure.
3. A recent recommendation must be provided in the psychological assessment indicating a special class placement in a mainstream school is both necessary and useful for the child.
4. The overall IQ./level of ability as measured in the psychological assessment must fall within
a. Mixed 2 – Moderate General Learning Disabilities Range
b. Mixed 3 – Mild General learning Disabilities Range.
5. Age range 7 – 13 years on enrolment in A.S.D. class with no more than 2/3 year age difference between youngest and oldest pupil at any time.
6. The Board of Management deems that the school has in place, within the school staffing complement and school facilities the resources to meet the special educational needs of the child.
7. The educational provision being provided to the children currently in the A.S.D. classes will not be detrimentally effected by the level of specialised intervention required for the new child.
8. Parents/Guardians who make an application on behalf of their child must agree to the child being observed in their current educational/home setting to assess the suitability for placement in A.S.D. class.
9. Maximum enrolment in A.S.D. class is 6 pupils.
Signed: ______________________________________ Date: ___________________________________
Chairperson.
Appendix 3 – Early Start
This is a pilot scheme to alleviate the effects of social and educational disadvantage for children of 3 years of age on the 1st day of the school year.
The following criteria have been sanctioned for use by the Board of Management
1. Children living in the Edenmore Area
2. Children of former pupils of the three parish schools – St. Malachy’s, St. Monica’s, St. Eithne’s.
3. Children who have siblings in any of the three parish schools
4. Children of lone parents
5. Children who have special needs
6. Children who are minded by Grandparents in the Edenmore area
7. Children of people who have given a commitment to the local parish schools and wider community
8. Children who can take up morning or afternoon sessions.
Signed: ____________________________________ Date: ______________________________________
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