The Parent Voice
Parent of a child in our primary ASD class
“Johnny is now entering his 8th and final year in Scoil Phadraig Naofa and if we had to sum up our experience, we would say that securing a place for him here was like winning the "school lottery".
He has cared for, nurtured, accepted and educated in a great environment of support and acceptance from teachers and students alike.
Because of its central location he has easy access to all the town has to offer as well as outing to swimming classes, cinema and day trips. All of this has really helped with his social skills and enabled him to become more independent.
The school has always been available to us whenever we needed to discuss any challenges that Johnny would be experiencing and together we always found a way to help him to move forward and learn to cope and navigate situations which are difficult for him.
We will be forever grateful to Scoil Phadraig Naofa for making these difficult years so for much better for us and our son.”
Justin & Sharon Bolster
Parent of a child in 6th class
“I have 2 boys, 12 & 13, who have both gone through SPN. My 12 year old is currently in 6th class. Two completely different children but both have had a great experience out of it. My youngest is dyslexic and has dietary issues. It was his teacher who noticed that there may be an issue. He was given help before and after his dyslexia diagnosis, it was amazing to be able to get him help so young.
With his diet, I worked with the teachers so they knew the issue and they worked to ensure he didn’t miss out on the occasional treat activities like food dudes, cake sales, baking or the ice cream van.
My eldest is nearly finished 1st year in St. Brogans and is great academically. The teachers help foster a love of learning and challenged him with extra work to encourage him. He loved it.
For me as a parent, having been involved in the school for 9 years it has been great. Whether its teachers engaging with the students or them actively engaging with parents, if there is a problem or just a friendly hello at drop off or pick up. They say it takes a village to raise a child, well I certainly got my village from the boys attending SPN. Both the boys and myself have got lifetime friends from here.”
K. Stewart