Southside school opens classes for autistic children

A NEW, purpose built facility for boys and girls with autism has officially opened at a primary school on the Southside.

The Meadow is part of Our Lady of Good Counsel, Girls’ National School in Johnstown, Killiney.

The cathaoirleach of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council cut the red tape on the facility that provides education for 18 children aged between three and 13 in three classes, a preschool class as well as one junior and one senior.

Children are also integrated into activities and classes in the mainstream school where appropriate for the child. It is one of a small but growing number of such classes across the Southside.

Our Lady of Good Counsel, Girls’ National School caters for 454 girls.

Principal, Caroline Quinn described The Meadow as

“the best thing ever done in the school

?.

“It can’t just be part of the ethos of the school that there should be inclusion for all,

? Ms Quinn said.

“You have to live it.

?

The Meadow includes access to a sensory gym, a quiet room, safe play area and sensory garden.

Some therapies are provided by parents at the school.

Parent, Fidelma Murphy’s seven-year-old daughter, Isabel, attends The Meadow.

She said the classes near to her local area, were

“perfect

? for her child.

“I don’t agree with withdrawing my daughter from the world,

? Ms Murphy said.

“I really want to push her on into the world, and the classes at The Meadow provide a very safe environment for me to do that.

?

Our Lady of Good Counsel, Girls’ National School has been operating the classes for children with autism since October 2011 but the recent occasion marked the opening of the recently completed, purpose built new building.