SEN Supports
Special Educational Needs (SEN) at Enfield Community College
Our Commitment
At Enfield Community College, inclusion is at the heart of everything we do.
We believe every student has the right to reach their full potential in a supportive, respectful, and inclusive environment.
Our Special Educational Needs (SEN) Department works collaboratively with students, families, teachers, and external agencies to ensure that each learner receives the support they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
We are proud to be a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Pilot School, ensuring that our teaching and learning practices are inclusive by design and benefit all learners.
Whole-School Support for Students with SEN
Our SEN supports operate across three tiers of provision as outlined by the Department of Education’s
Continuum of Support model:
| Level of Support | Who it’s for | Type of Support Provided | Examples of Support in ECC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Support for All | All students in the school | Whole-school and classroom support provided through high-quality teaching and inclusive planning. | • Differentiated teaching and learning • Universal Design for Learning (UDL) strategies in every classroom • Positive behaviour support and wellbeing programmes • Ongoing assessment and feedback to track progress |
| Support for Some | Students who may need additional help for a short time or in specific areas | Targeted small-group or short-term interventions to support specific learning or social needs. | • Small-group literacy or numeracy support • Social skills groups • Team teaching and co-teaching • Use of assistive technology • Targeted learning programmes or withdrawal sessions |
| Support for a Few | Students with more complex or long-term needs who require individualised support | Intensive, personalised interventions and collaboration with external professionals. | • Individual Education Plans (IEPs) or Student Support Plans (SSPs) • One-to-one teaching • Specialist programmes (e.g., L2LPs) • Input from NEPS, NCSE, or therapists • Regular review meetings with parents/guardians |
Continuum of Support model:
Our SEN Coordinator (SENCO) oversees planning and communication for all students receiving additional support.
The Hub – Our Specialist Learning Support Facilities
At Enfield Community College, we are proud to provide state-of-the-art facilities designed to support the diverse learning, sensory, and emotional needs of all our students.
Our dedicated SEN spaces — The Hub, our Sensory Room, and Sensory Garden — are central to how we nurture inclusion, independence, and wellbeing across the school.
The Hub
The Hub is the heart of our special education provision and home to our two ASD Special Classes and our Moderate Learning Class.
It is a bright, purpose-built area that provides a safe, calm, and inclusive learning environment for our students who benefit from smaller class settings and tailored teaching approaches.
Features of The Hub include:
- Modern, well-equipped classrooms designed for flexibility and comfort.
- Dedicated sensory and quiet breakout areas.
- Access to assistive technology and visual supports.
- Individual and small-group teaching spaces.
- Direct links to mainstream classrooms and shared learning opportunities.
The Hub fosters a strong sense of belonging and community, encouraging students to develop confidence, independence, and social skills while being fully included in school life.
Sensory Room
Our Sensory Room is a calm, multi-sensory space designed to support students’ emotional regulation, focus, and wellbeing.
It provides a therapeutic environment with features such as:
- Adjustable lighting, soft furnishings, and calming sounds.
- Sensory equipment that promotes relaxation and concentration.
- Opportunities for sensory exploration and self-regulation.
- The Sensory Room is used by students from The Hub and across the school as part of individual support plans and wellbeing programmes.
It offers a safe, quiet space for reflection, de-escalation, and mindfulness during the school day.
Sensory Garden
Located within the school grounds, our Sensory Garden offers an outdoor learning and wellbeing space where students can engage with nature in a peaceful environment.
It features:
- The garden surface is finished with specially sourced soft tarmac, providing a safe and accessible environment for all students, including those with mobility or sensory needs.
- The area also incorporates interactive play and movement features, such as a hopscotch zone and sensory pathway markings, encouraging physical activity, coordination, and playful social interaction in a structured, supportive setting.
- Outdoor seating and quiet zones for reflection or small-group learning.
- Opportunities for students to engage in gardening and outdoor projects as part of L2LPs and wellbeing initiatives.
The Sensory Garden promotes calmness, creativity, and connection with nature — reinforcing our commitment to supporting the whole child: academically, emotionally, and socially.
Our Commitment
Through The Hub, our Sensory Room, and Sensory Garden, Enfield Community College continues to develop innovative and inclusive environments that reflect our core values of care, respect, and opportunity for all.
These facilities are an integral part of our mission to provide the highest standard of education and support for every learner.
Special Classes at Enfield Community College
Enfield Community College is proud to provide three dedicated special classes which offer additional structure, smaller class sizes, and individualised learning environments:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Special Classes (2)
We have two ASD special classes that cater for students with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
These classes provide a supportive setting where students can access a blend of mainstream inclusion and specialist support.
It features:
- Small class sizes and high levels of individual attention.
- Individualised teaching focusing on communication, life skills, and independence.
- Access to sensory and quiet spaces.
- Integration with mainstream classes and school life where appropriate.
- Ongoing collaboration between teachers, SNAs, and parents.
Our ASD classes aim to help each student achieve personal, social, and academic success while developing confidence and independence.
Moderate Learning Class
Our Moderate Learning Class provides a structured and supportive learning environment for students with moderate general learning disabilities.
Teaching focuses on:
- Functional academics (literacy, numeracy, life skills).
- Social and communication development.
- Daily living and independence skills.
- Creative and practical learning experiences.
- Community-based learning and supported inclusion in school activities.
Students in this class follow the Level 2 Learning Programmes (L2LPs) as part of the Junior Cycle.
Level 2 Learning Programmes (L2LPs)
Level 2 Learning Programmes (L2LPs) are designed for students who have particular learning needs and are not following the standard Junior Cycle curriculum.
These programmes focus on developing core skills that are essential for independent living, learning, and working life.
L2LPs include five priority learning units:
- 1. Communicating & Literacy
- 2. Numeracy
- 3. Personal Care
- 4. Living in a Community
- 5. Preparing for Work
Each student’s progress is supported through individual targets and practical learning experiences both inside and outside the classroom.
Assessment is based on the student’s achievements, personal goals, and skills development rather than traditional examinations.
At Enfield Community College, L2LPs are delivered through a hands-on, supportive, and inclusive approach, helping students to build confidence and prepare for adulthood.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) at Enfield Community College
Enfield Community College is proud to be a UDL Pilot School, participating in a national initiative that focuses on inclusive teaching and learning practices.
What is UDL?
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an educational framework that helps teachers design lessons that meet the needs of all learners from the very start.
Rather than adapting lessons afterwards, UDL encourages teachers to plan for the diversity of students in every classroom.
At Enfield Community College, UDL is not just an approach — it’s part of our school culture.
We are proud to be a UDL Pilot School, working to make every lesson, space, and experience accessible, engaging, and empowering for all students.
The Three Core Principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
| UDL Principle | What It Means | How It Looks in Enfield Community College Classrooms |
|---|---|---|
1. Multiple Means of Engagement
The “Why” of learning
|
Focuses on how we motivate and involve students in their learning. | • Lessons include real-life and relevant examples to make learning meaningful. • Students have choice in topics, projects, or roles. • Collaboration, peer learning, and active participation are encouraged. • Teachers promote persistence and wellbeing through positive feedback and goal-setting. |
2. Multiple Means of Representation
The “What” of learning
|
Focuses on how information is presented so that all students can access and understand it. | • Teachers use visuals, diagrams, and multimedia to explain ideas. • Notes and materials are provided in accessible formats (digital and printed). • Information is broken into clear, manageable sections. • Literacy and language supports such as key-word lists and scaffolding are embedded in lessons. |
3. Multiple Means of Action and Expression
The “How” of learning
|
Focuses on how students demonstrate what they know and can do. | • Students can show their learning in different ways — presentations, posters, models, videos, written work, etc. • Use of assistive technology such as speech-to-text, typing, or recording. • Self-assessment and reflection are built into tasks. • Progress and effort are celebrated alongside results. |
Our UDL Vision
“To create learning environments where every student can learn, participate, and achieve success — in their own way.”
We believe that flexibility and choice are key to inclusive education.
UDL ensures that learning opportunities are accessible, meaningful, and challenging for every student.
Our Commitment Going Forward
As a UDL Pilot School, Enfield Community College continues to lead in inclusive education by:
- Sharing best practice with other schools.
- Collecting student and teacher feedback to refine our approaches.
- Embedding UDL principles in school policy, planning, and professional learning.
Students in this class follow the Level 2 Learning Programmes (L2LPs) as part of the Junior Cycle.
Assistive Technology & Supports
Students may have access to a range of assistive technologies and learning supports, depending on individual needs:
Parents and guardians are encouraged to:
- Communicate regularly with the SEN Coordinator/Wellbeing Co-Ordinator/Class Tutor.
- Attend review meetings and share updates or concerns.
- Support learning goals and independence at home.
Open communication ensures each student receives consistent and effective support.
External Agencies & Collaboration
Our SEN team works closely with external professionals to provide the best support possible, including:
- National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS)
- National Council for Special Education (NCSE)
- Speech and Language Therapists
- Occupational Therapists
- CAMHS and community support services
Collaboration ensures that each student’s educational plan reflects their full needs and strengths.
Contact Information
For further information or to discuss supports for your child, please contact:
SEN Coordinator: Rachael Cormican
Email: [email protected]
Useful Links
- National Council for Special Education (NCSE) https://ncse.ie/
- Department of Education – Special Education Section https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/35f3c-special-education/
- National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) https://www.gov.ie/en/service/5eb8e0-neps/
- UDL for Schools – AHEAD Ireland https://ahead.ie/udl-schools
- Junior Cycle Level 2 Learning Programmes (NCCA) https://ncca.ie/en/junior-cycle/level-2-learning-programmes/