Welcome
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It is my great privilege to be Principal of Sonas Special Junior School. Our wonderful and unique school provides early intervention education for children aged 3-6 years old with a diagnosis of Complex Needs and Autism and is under the auspices of the Department of Education and Skills. My role is to lead teaching and learning in the school and to ensure that the Sonas Community- parents, staff and children - are supported by me and our very committed and dedicated Board of Management in the process of doing so.
Our dedicated and highly skilled staff is comprised of 9 Primary School teachers, 24 Special Needs Assistants, 15 school escorts, two secretaries and a caretaker – each and every one of whom fulfils their roles with compassion, professionalism in the knowledge that each member of the team plays a vital role in supporting the pupils. |
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Since the school started in 2003, there has been constant evolution and change as we strive to be a centre of excellence in the niche area of Early Intervention Education for the children in the school. As a school community, we recognise and acknowledge that there is always room to challenge ourselves and make improvements in what we do.
This was recognised in the findings of the Department of Education and Skills Inspectorate report, on completion of a Whole School Evaluation. The published findings were as follows:
This was recognised in the findings of the Department of Education and Skills Inspectorate report, on completion of a Whole School Evaluation. The published findings were as follows:
- The overall learning achievements of the pupils are very good and they enjoy participating in an extensive range of learning activities and experiences
- There is excellent support for pupils’ well-being in this school. The highly committed and conscientious staff demonstrate a clear understanding of the holistic needs of the pupils.
- The Board of Management, the Principal and the in-school management team manage the school in a conscientious and highly effective manner: a strategic plan would assist in guiding the school through the forthcoming transition to a new shared complex
- An extremely positive relationship exists between the school, the parents’ association and the general parent body.
About Us
Sonas Special Junior Primary School is an Early Intervention school for children aged 3-6 years with a diagnosis of Autism. The school was set up in 2003 by the Department of Education and Science. The Brothers of Charity are the patrons of the school. The school is located in Carrigaline, about 10 miles south of Cork city. The school day is 9.30-2pm.
The philosophy of Sonas is based on the belief that each child is a special individual endowed with certain unique capacities and talents. The aim of the school is to nurture each child’s physical, social, emotional and intellectual development in a secure and friendly environment.
Sonas provides a learning environment in which each child can develop according to their individual needs. A variety of Autism-specific methodologies including TEACCH, Sensory Regulation, movement breaks and focusing on total communication through the use of Lamh, AAC, Social Stories, Topic boards, Hanen and Intensive Interaction are implemented in order to access the Primary School Curriculum that is delivered across the school.
Each class is taught by a fully qualified teacher working with a team of 3 Special Needs Assistants. Learning activities are carefully structured and clear visual cues are used to scaffold learning.
In 2014 Sonas was asked by the NCSE to almost double in size – expanding from 24 to 42 children. There was no available room to accommodate the additional 3 classes needed for the expansion so at the end of August 2014 Sonas opened a second campus in Heron’s Wood.
After operating from 2 campuses for 7 years, in August 2021 Sonas moved into its current location - a purpose built school in Carrigaline Education Campus on the Ballinrea Road. We opened an extra class in September 2023, bringing the total number of pupils attending the school to 48.
Our Mission Statement
Sonas is a school that nourishes each individual in a secure, friendly, and approachable environment. We provide a stimulating setting in which each child can maximise their learning potential, grow and develop in independence and confidence, with an emphasis on fun, enjoyment and balance of life. We welcome the co-operation and support of each child’s family.
The philosophy of Sonas is based on the belief that each child is a special individual endowed with certain unique capacities and talents. The aim of the school is to nurture each child’s physical, social, emotional and intellectual development in a secure and friendly environment.
Sonas provides a learning environment in which each child can develop according to their individual needs. A variety of Autism-specific methodologies including TEACCH, Sensory Regulation, movement breaks and focusing on total communication through the use of Lamh, AAC, Social Stories, Topic boards, Hanen and Intensive Interaction are implemented in order to access the Primary School Curriculum that is delivered across the school.
Each class is taught by a fully qualified teacher working with a team of 3 Special Needs Assistants. Learning activities are carefully structured and clear visual cues are used to scaffold learning.
In 2014 Sonas was asked by the NCSE to almost double in size – expanding from 24 to 42 children. There was no available room to accommodate the additional 3 classes needed for the expansion so at the end of August 2014 Sonas opened a second campus in Heron’s Wood.
After operating from 2 campuses for 7 years, in August 2021 Sonas moved into its current location - a purpose built school in Carrigaline Education Campus on the Ballinrea Road. We opened an extra class in September 2023, bringing the total number of pupils attending the school to 48.
Our Mission Statement
Sonas is a school that nourishes each individual in a secure, friendly, and approachable environment. We provide a stimulating setting in which each child can maximise their learning potential, grow and develop in independence and confidence, with an emphasis on fun, enjoyment and balance of life. We welcome the co-operation and support of each child’s family.
