Is the school connected with any local agencies in the community?

Yes. We are under the patronage of Crosscare and our students engage with youth workers from the community. Close links exist with other agencies in the community in order to optimise all efforts made for the students and their families. Such agencies include:

Health Boards - Dentists - Social Workers - Gardai and Department of Justice - Junior Liaison Officers and Probation Officers - Local Youth Services - Youth Clubs, After School Local Projects/Initiatives - Local Schools - Principals & Home School Liaisons - Local Employers - Work Experience - Training Workshops - Placement - Finglas Partnership - Education Officer.

How are the students divided in the school?

Students are divided into three groups:

Group 1 - 10 to 12 year olds approximately

Familiarisation and induction to school programme. Assessment of skills and development of basic literacy and numeracy.

Group 2 - 12 to 14 year olds approximately

Reinforcement of basic literacy and numeracy skills. Introduction to Junior Cycle programme in English, Mathematics, Home Economics and Woodwork.

Group 3 - 14 to 16 year olds approximately

Junior Cycle programme in English, Mathematics, Home Economics, Woodwork and other subjects if the student is capable, willing and determined.

Who governs St Paul’s?

We are a Department of Education approved school and are governed by the Social Inclusion Unit, Athlone. We are also guided and supported by the Primary School Inspectorate. As we are a high support special school we operate under Primary school guidelines and procedures.

An annual allocation of funds is determined by the Social Inclusion Unit of the Department of Education. The school operates under a monthly Imprest system. In this system an account of expenditure for each month is submitted which helps determine allocation of funding.

The Principal/Director manages the school on a day to day basis and is accountable to the Board of Management.