Inclusion at Powerstown ETNS

One School. Many Cultures. Many Pathways. Every Child Belongs.

At Powerstown Educate Together National School (PETNS), inclusion is not simply something we do — it is who we are.

Our school is home to children and families representing 68 countries and 62 languages, with a wonderful diversity of cultures, religious and non-religious beliefs, identities, abilities and experiences. As an equality-based Educate Together school, we celebrate these differences and believe that every child deserves to feel welcomed, accepted, valued and included.

Guided by our motto, Ní neart go cur le chéile (There is no strength without unity), we work to create a school where every child can learn, develop friendships, participate and experience a genuine sense of belonging.

One School, Shared Learning

At PETNS, our mainstream, autism and DLD/SSD classes are interconnected parts of one school community.

Every mainstream class is partnered with another class within its class band and with an autism and/or DLD/SSD class. Children in our specialist classes also belong to designated mainstream peer classes, ensuring that friendships, learning and participation extend beyond any one classroom.

Throughout the school day, children learn and play together in different spaces. During Spraoi, infant classrooms open their doors for shared play and learning. Other classes collaborate through literacy, numeracy, arts and projects, while buddy classes, nurture breakfasts and lunchtime clubs bring children together across different ages and classrooms.

Inclusion works in both directions. Children move between classrooms according to their learning needs, interests and preferences, and peers come together in whichever environment best supports their shared activity.

Flexible Support Around Every Child

We recognise that children learn and develop in different ways, and that their needs may change over time.

Our mainstream classrooms provide inclusive teaching and learning, supported by additional teaching, language support, nurture, Inclusion/Bridging Teachers and specialist autism and DLD/SSD provision where appropriate.

These supports are connected, not separate pathways. A child might learn alongside their mainstream peers, receive individualised teaching, work with friends in a quieter space or access additional support at different points in the day.

We adapt our teaching, environments and supports around children, rather than expecting children to fit into fixed structures.

Inclusion Means Belonging

For us, inclusion is about more than being present in a classroom. It is about friendships, meaningful learning, having a voice, being accepted and knowing that you are an important part of the school community.

We listen to children, value the knowledge and experiences of families, and work collaboratively to ensure that every pupil has opportunities to participate, contribute and flourish.

Every child belongs. Every voice matters. Every classroom is part of one inclusive school.

Ní neart go cur le chéile.

Our Whole-School Inclusion Policy

Our Whole-School Inclusion Policy and Practice Framework sets out the principles that guide our inclusive culture and explains how our different educational supports work together to meet pupils’ needs.

Download the Whole-School Inclusion Policy and Practice Framework (PDF)