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Special Educational Needs

Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision in Inver College is an integral part of the continuum of support within the school. The main aim, in line with Inver College’s Mission Statement, is to help all students reach their potential within an inclusive school environment.

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The SEN Department emphasises the individual needs of each student in our care. We appreciate that each student learns in different ways and at different rates so a variety of teaching methodologies are employed across the school and within the SEN Department.

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Learning Support

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Our school has a highly qualified team of Special Education Teachers and Special Needs Assistants who work to increase the effectiveness of the teaching and learning of our students with additional needs. The S.E.N. coordinator and S.E.N. team work closely with individual students to assess their specific educational needs, and in consultation with parents/ guardians put in place any additional supports for that student to ensure that they reach their full potential socially, emotionally, and academically.

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In Inver College supporting the diverse range of student need is vital to ensure the each of our students experience success. All students in Inver College are supported at each stage of their educational journey.

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The Board of Management, parents and teachers are committed to the creation of an inclusive, supportive learning environment for all students. 

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Students identified as having Special educational needs are enabled to:

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  • Access the curriculum

  • Participate fully in the school community

  • Acquire the basic personal, social and literacy and numeric skills needed for life

  • Experience success

  • Develop a positive self-image, self-confidence and self esteem

 

Meeting the needs and allocating support

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In 2017, Circular 0014/2017, “Special Education Teaching Allocation” introduced a revised model for allocating Special Educational Needs (SEN) resources to schools. This document and the, “Guidelines for Post Primary Schools Supporting Students with SEN in Mainstream schools”, produced in May 2017, by the Department of Education and Skills (DES), will be the guiding principles that will form the basis for support for students with SEN within Inver College.

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We acknowledge that there is a spectrum of ability. In line with the New Model for Special Education Teaching Allocation – ‘the highest level of need should have access to the greatest level of support’.

 

There are three levels of support:

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Level 1: Support for All: Whole school and Classroom support – this will focus on preventative and proactive approaches through testing, providing information for students, staff and parents, alongside whole class support.

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Level 2: Support for Some: This will focus on providing school support for small groups and some individuals. This may be on a weekly timetabled basis, or short-term intervention.

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Level 3: Support for a Few: This will provide individualised and specialist support for number of students with the greatest level of need, on a regular timetabled basis.

Assistive Technology Support for students with Special Educational Needs

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Using Dictate in Microsoft Word, OneNote, Powerpoint

 

Using Immersive Reader in Word

 

Using Translate in Word

 

Using immersive reader in Microsoft Edge

 

How to open a PDF in Microsoft Word and then use Immersive Reader or Translate

 

Using Immersive Reader in OneNote

 

Using Translate in OneNote

 

Using Office Lens immersive reader for Android

 

Using Office Len immersive reader for iPhone

Guidance & Counselling
 

Inver College School Guidance & Counselling Service
 

Career Guidance and Counselling is at the heart of our Pastoral Care System in Inver College. Our Guidance Counsellors have a caring and supportive role in the school, and they work closely with all students, parents and other staff to support students throughout their educational journal in Inver College. We recognise that each student is unique, and we work holistically to guide students to a better understanding of themselves and their educational and vocational opportunities throughout life.
The Career Guidance and Counselling Dept within Inver College provide support for all students in three main areas:

  • · Educational Guidance

  • · Career and Vocational Guidance

  • · Personal and Social Guidance


Educational Guidance

This area of Guidance recognises students’ different learning abilities and their inherent talents. Each student is encouraged to optimise their learning skills.
This involves

  • · helping students with subject and level choices,

  • · aiding motivation and management learning,

  • · showing students how to use available resources, study skills and exam techniques,

  • · demonstrating how to use computer-aided research.


Career and Vocational Guidance

This area of Guidance helps students to identify career and vocational goals by developing their self-analysis skills and sourcing and managing career information. This involves –

  • · having an understanding of the many pathways into higher education,

  • · making and carrying out appropriate life choices and plans,

  • · practising interview techniques, CV writing and cover letters,

  • · identifying strengths and weaknesses from the results of various interest and aptitude tests,

  • · becoming aware of employment opportunities

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Personal and Social Guidance

This area empowers students to make decisions, solve problems, change behaviour and resolve issues in their lives, through individual counselling, group counselling, or a possible referral to other outside agencies.
 

What is Counselling?

Counselling is offered on a one-to-one basis and is generally short-term in nature. The Service operates on an appointment basis, however, priority will be given to emergency cases. During the course of a school day many issues and concerns may present for students. The Guidance Counsellor works closely with management, and liaises with Parents/ Guardians, with Year Heads, Learning Support Teachers, and Subject Teachers. They also have regular contact with, psychologists, employers, colleges, social services, and outside agency supports.

Counselling is offered in a holistic, inviting and safe space for students and it offers the opportunity to discuss any issues or concerns that impact academic performance or personal well-being in private.

A general feeling that all is not well is often enough to initially seek help. Deciding to speak with a Guidance Counsellor can be a positive step towards making life better for the individual. Self-referral to the service is welcomed and encouraged.

 

Confidentiality Policy

The Guidance & Counselling Service is a professional counselling service, which abides by a strict code of ethics and confidentiality policy as outlined by the Institute of Guidance Counsellors. A persistent link to this code can be found here.

Confidentiality is a central and integral part of the counselling process and is assured to each student who avails of the Counselling Service. It offers safety and privacy to those who choose to discuss personal and private concerns. Information given during the counselling session is held in strict confidence. No information written or verbal will be disclosed to a third party without the student’s permission. The issue of confidentiality is always discussed with students during the first session. This provides the opportunity to clarify any concerns that may arise. Counselling Service files are not attached to any academic records held within the school.

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Limits to Confidentiality

In exceptional circumstances Guidance Counsellors may need to break confidentiality if they believe there is a real intent of serious harm or danger to either their student or another individual. In as far as is possible, in such cases, a full explanation will be given regarding the necessary procedures that may need to be taken.

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