URSULINE COLLEGE BLACKROCK

1.       Application and Decision Dates for admission to 1st Year for 2024/25

Failure by an applicant to accept an offer by Monday 30^th October 2023 may result in the offer being withdrawn.

2.       Application and Decision Dates for admission to Ursuline College Blackrock re Special Class for 2024/25     

·         Ursuline College Blackrock operates 1 ASD class.

·         The maximum number of students permitted into this class is 6.

·         Applications to the class will only be considered in years when the number of students in the class in the year of entry is to be below 6.       

·         The class is currently full. Unfortunately, no places will become available for the 2024-25 academic year.

·         Parents should apply during the October 2023 application window none the less as should a space become available in the Special Class the school will follow the selection criteria as outlined in section 6 of the school Admission Policy.

Eligibility for attachment to the ASD programme

The student must have a primary diagnosis of Autism/Autistic Spectrum Disorder, with a recommendation from a professional (Multi-disciplinary team) stating that a placement in a special class in a mainstream school is both necessary and suitable.   A recommendation must be provided to the school along with an application form during application window outlined in the annual admissions notice.  Failure to provide a recommendation at this time will invalidate an application for the ASD class.

Review

An annual review of the student's progress within the ASD programme will be undertaken by the school SENCO and ASD support teachers. This review may also include significant external professionals e.g. the SENO (Special Educational Needs Organiser) for the school. The aim of the annual review is to ensure that a placement in the ASD class continues to be the most suitable placement option available for the student concerned.

The following criteria will apply in allocating places for inclusion in the ASD programme

1.       That there is available space.

2.       The maximum student number attached to the ASD room will not exceed the recommendations of the Department of Education & Skills in a given year.  

3.       The maximum number of students is currently six students.

4.       Where there are more applicants than places, the criteria for selection outlined in the General Enrolment Policy will apply.  

ASD Unit Admissions Panel

All applications for attachment to the ASD programme will be reviewed by the ASD Unit Admissions Panel which may consist of the following members:

·         School Principal/Deputy Principal

·         SENCO (Special educational needs coordinator)

·         SENO (Special educational needs organiser)

·         ASD resource room teachers

·         Year Head

The functions of the Admissions Panel will be as follows;

1.       To review all applications and all documents relevant to a student applying for attachment to the ASD resource room;

2.       To verify the suitability of a placement in Ursuline College Blackrock for the applicant;

3.       To make recommendations based on their findings to the Board of Management. The Board will have ultimate responsibility for enrolling students with ASD in the school

Important Dates

Failure by an applicant to accept an offer within 5 working days of receiving an offer may result in the offer being withdrawn.

3. Number of places being made available in the 2024/25 school year

4.    Number of places in 1^st year for the 2023/24 school year which were offered and accepted before 1 February 2020

5.       The total number of applications for admission received by the school for admission in the special class catering for students with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the 2023/24 school year was 3.