Autism Classes Campaign

Stapolin ETNS are campaigning for 2 additional autism classes to meet the needs of children within our school and local community. The NCSE have informed us that our school is not considered a priority, despite us showing a clear need for these classes. 

We currently have 2 autism classes which are full. We have 8 children with eligibility letters in our mainstream classes who are waiting on an autism class space. On top of that we have 50 children on our waiting list, 20 of whom are in our immediate catchment area. 

2 more classes is 12 spaces. That would ensure that the 8 children in our mainstream have access to the supports the need to access their education, as well as offering remaining places to some of those on our waiting list. 

While we appreciate it’s important that schools without autism classes are encouraged and supported to open them, the need in our own school is urgent and undeniable, and we don’t understand why both can’t happen at the same time.

Every child should have the chance to continue their education in the community where they’ve already built friendships, feel safe, and have strong relationships with staff who know and understand them.

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