5.1. SCOT Analysis Completed in Consultation with Parents and Staff Members
5.2. Children’s Wishes for the School
1. School Details
1.1. Background
Knocknacarra Educate Together National School (KETNS) was established in 2014, under the patronage of Educate Together, in response to a demographic need for additional primary school places in the Knocknacarra area.
This background has influenced the school in two key ways:
- The Educate Together ethos informs all aspects of the school including its governance, teaching and social activities.
- The demographic growth of the Knocknacarra area has been fuelled by the migration of people to the area. This is reflected in the diverse backgrounds of the pupils.
This diversity partnered with the Educate Together ethos has seen a school character emerge which has at its heart:
Child-centred – While recognising the rights of all stakeholders including parents, guardians, staff, board of management, the patron and the Department of Education and Skills, the needs of the children will remain at the heart of all decision making. The overriding ambition is for all children to be happy and to nurture them so that they can achieve their potential within a supportive academic environment that encourages high expectations.
Community – There is a strong desire to build a school community which takes an active role in the wider community based on values of active citizenship and civic responsibility.
Inclusion – Our school community endeavours to make a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion at all levels including governance, teaching and social activities.
These characteristics will inform the development objectives of the school plan. This is a new school and the school community recognise that we are the creators. This is a privilege but also a responsibility which the school community takes seriously. This plan is a living document that is being developed and by the Board of Management (BOM) in consultation with the Parent Teachers Association (PTA), the staff and children of the school. It is a plan for all of the school community, and therefore, all members of our learning community are asked participate in this exciting journey to create a new school community.
1.2. The school in numbers
| 1 | Stream | The school has one class level for each of the 8 years of primary school. |
| 8 | Classes | In 2021-2022 we have the full complement of classes for the first time from junior infants to 6th Class. |
| 8 | Members of the Board of Management | Chairperson and Patron Nominee: Paul Adams
Patron Nominee: Maggie Hall Secretary and Principal: Matt Wallen Teacher Nominee: Vivienne Kelly Female Parent Nominee: Liz Daly Male Parent Nominee: Aneil Rawat Community Nominee: Elaine Keane Community Nominee: Louise Shields |
| 18 | Staff | 2021-2022 Staff
1 Administrative Principal 8 Class Teachers 2 Full-time Learning Support Teachers 1 Fixed-term English-as-an-Additional-Language (EAL) Teacher 2 Full-time SNAs 1 Part-time SNA 1 Secretary 2 Part-time Cleaners |
| 215 | Pupils | 2021-2022 Enrolment
28 in Junior Infants 25 in Senior Infants 26 in First Class 28 in Second Class 26 in Third Class 28 in Fourth Class 25 in Fifth Class 29 in Sixth Class |
1.3. Premises and Facilities
The school has located in permanent accommodation since Autumn 2018 at An Coimín Mór, Cappagh Road, Knocknacarra, Galway, H91 Y38E. The accommodation is comprised of eight mainstream classrooms, one staff room, two offices, a multi-purpose room, one small classroom for support teaching and one prefab. There is a large tarmac play area at the front of the school, a large green space adjacent to the school and another green space adjacent to the pre-fab. There are two internal courtyards as well as garden areas at the front of the school and behind the building. Cuan na Gaillimhe CNS (formerly Galway Steiner NS) is on the same campus, accommodated in prefabs at the rear of the site.
1.4. Governance Activities
| Responsible officer | Timeline | ||
| 1.1 | Review of School Plan | BOM | Annually by June |
| 1.2 | Review progress of Development Actions | BOM/PTA | Monthly |
| 1.3 | Review school policies | BOM | As required by policy |
| 1.4 | Publication of minutes of BOM meetings | Principal | Monthly |
| 1.5 | Appointment of new Board of Management | Patron | November 2019 |
2. Vision & Mission
2.1. Vision
To build a child-centred school community which values inclusion, diversity and the unique talents of all.
2.2. Mission
To nurture each pupil, encouraging them to use their unique talents so that they reach their potential in all areas including academic subjects, the arts, sport and social skills.
To create a community which is inclusive of all and takes an active role in promoting active citizenship.
To create an atmosphere where pupils, staff, parents and the community feel safe, respected and valued and which develops a love of learning.
To support the patron body in setting up a secondary school to enable pupils to complete their education in the ethos of Educate Together.
3. Curriculum Plans
| CURRICULUM PLANS | INITIAL RATIFICATION | CURRENT RATIFICATION | DATE TO BE REVIEWED |
| English | 2017 | 2017 | 2021 |
| Maths | 2017 | 2017 | 2021 |
| An Ghaeilge | 2017 | 2021 | 2025 |
| Learn Together | 2021 | 2021 | 2025 |
| Digital Learning | 2018 | 2018 | 2022 |
| SESE (History, Geography and Science) | 2019 | 2019 | 2023 |
| Arts (Visual Arts, Music and Drama) | 2020 | 2020 | 2024 |
| PE | 2018 | 2018 | 2022 |
| SPHE | 2018 | 2018 | 2022 |
4. Policies
| POLICY | INITIAL RATIFICATION | CURRENT RATIFICATION | DATE FOR REVIEW |
| Additional Education Needs | 2016 | 2021 | 2024 |
| Admissions | 2014 | 2021 | 2024 |
| Afterschool Clubs | 2016 | 2019 | 2022 |
| Assessment | 2018 | 2018 | 2021 |
| Attendance | 2016 | 2019 | 2022 |
| Child Safeguarding Statement | 2015 | 2021 | 2022 |
| Code of Behaviour and Anti-Bullying | 2015 | 2021 | 2022 |
| Co-Location | 2018 | 2018 | 2021 |
| Communication (including Grievance Procedure) | 2016 | 2020 | 2023 |
| Continuing Professional Development | 2019 | 2019 | 2022 |
| COVID-19 Response Plan | 2020 | 2021 | |
| COVID-19 Risk Assessment | 2020 | 2021 | |
| Critical Incidents | 2016 | 2019 | 2022 |
| Data Management and Data Protection | 2016 | 2020 | 2023 |
| Dignity in the Workplace | 2017 | 2017 | 2020 |
| Distance Learning Policy | 2020 | 2020 | 2023 |
| Equality of Access and Participation | 2017 | 2021 | 2024 |
| Exceptional Closures | 2016 | 2019 | 2022 |
| Extra Personal Vacation (EPV) Days | 2017 | 2020 | 2023 |
| Financial Procedures and Protocols | 2020 | 2020 | 2023 |
| Garda Vetting Policy | 2015 | 2021 | 2024 |
| Health and Safety | 2015 | 2021 | 2022 |
| Healthy Eating | 2016 | 2021 | 2024 |
| Homework | 2018 | 2018 | 2021 |
| In-school Management Team | 2019 | 2019 | 2022 |
| Internet Acceptable Usage | 2017 | 2020 | 2023 |
| Job Sharing and Career Breaks | 2016 | 2020 | 2023 |
| Mobile Phone and Electronic Devices | 2018 | 2019 | 2022 |
| Off-site Learning Experiences | 2017 | 2021 | 2024 |
| Parental Involvement | 2021 | 2021 | 2024 |
| Pupil Committees | 2022 | ||
| Relationships and Sexuality Education | 2021 | 2021 | 2024 |
| Retention | 2017 | 2021 | 2024 |
| Social Media and School Website | 2016 | 2020 | 2023 |
| Staffing Allocation | 2018 | 2021 | 2024 |
| Staff Induction | 2019 | 2019 | 2022 |
| Substance Use | 2016 | 2019 | 2022 |
| Work Experience/Student Teachers | 2017 | 2020 | 2023 |
5. Development Section
This section summarises a consultation process involving parents, Board members, staff and children regarding short- and long-term expectations for our developing school community.
5.1. SCOT Analysis Completed in Consultation with Parents and Staff Members
Strengths
- A new school – we are the creators
- Sense of community
- Commitment to good governance including principles of democracy and transparency
- Emphasis on teaching Irish
- Diversity of pupils’ backgrounds
- Class size capped
Challenges
- How to ensure all backgrounds are represented
- Impact of first-come, first-served enrolment policy on siblings
- Maintaining a sense of community and intimacy as the school grows
- Establishing sustainable fundraising opportunities
Opportunities
- Develop school profile within the wider community
- Learn about other cultures from our peers
- Build a sustainable school community
Threats
- Uncertainty regarding long-term school accommodation
- Lack of understanding in community about Educate Together ethos
- Lack of opportunity to continue to second level
5.2. Children’s Wishes for the School
5.3. Development Objectives
- To nurture the pupils by developing infrastructure including governance, buildings, technology and enhanced professional development.
- To develop the school community by creating opportunities for pupils, parents and the community to interact.
- To create an atmosphere where pupils, staff, parents and the community feel safe, respected and valued and which develops a love of learning.
- To support the patron body in setting up a secondary school to enable pupils to complete their education in the ethos of Educate Together.
5.4. Development Actions
- To nurture the pupils by developing infrastructure including buildings, technology, and communication structures.
Buildings
| Action | Responsible officer | Timeline | |
| 1.1 | Liaise with Dept of Education regarding school building | Principal | Ongoing |
| 1.2 | Devise lobbying strategy | BOM | As required |
| 1.3 | Implement lobbying strategy | BOM/PTA | As required |
| 1.4 | Set up buildings committee to project manage building/renovating of new building | BOM | As required |
| 1.5 | Project-manage building/renovation of new school | Building Committee | As required |
| 1.6 | Project manage move to new building | Building Committee | As required |
| 1.7 | Establish and resource a school library | Staff and PTA | Beginning 2017-2018 |
| 1.8 | Plan and develop a playground and outdoor classroom | Building Committee and PTA | As required |
Technology
| Action | Responsible officer | Timeline | |
| 2.1 | Research options for personal ICT equipment for classes | Principal and staff | October 2017 |
| 2.2 | Complete procurement and purchasing | Principal and BOM | 2018 |
| 2.3 | Develop a whole-school ICT plan | Principal and staff | 2017-2018 |
| 2.4 | Establish links with parents and the wider community for technology enrichment activities during and outside the school day | Staff and parents | 2018 onwards |
| 2.5 | Involve older classes in communicating learning through the school website and other platforms | Staff and children | 2019 onwards |
Communication Structures
| Action | Responsible officer | Timeline | |
| 3.1 | Manage private facebook page for parents | PTA and principal | Daily |
| 3.2 | Expand use of the website to support learning by incorporating resources | Principal and staff | 2017-2019 |
| 3.3 | Establish a Student Council | Principal and children | 2018 |
| 3.3 | Review and enhance portfolio sharing meetings | Staff | 2019-2020 |
| 3.4 | Establish joint planning sessions for teachers, children, parents and Board members | All stakeholders led by Principal | By 2020 |
- To create a school community which takes an active role in the wider community by creating opportunities for pupils, parents and the community to interact.
| Action | Responsible officer | Timeline | |
| 4.1 | Support and develop end-of-term gatherings | Teachers | Per term |
| 4.2 | Establish sustainable fundraising to support extracurricular activities including the Spring Fair | PTA, staff and BOM | Annually in May and as required |
| 4.3 | Investigate the provision of adult classes, e.g. Irish | PTA and Principal | 2017-2018 |
| 4.4 | Arrange for GAA lessons through a local club and begin the establishment of additional after-school and curricular sports activities | Staff | 2017-2018 |
| 4.4 | Organise family social events | PTA and staff | Ongoing |
| 4.5 | Develop an environmental programme to include completing the Green Flag programme and investigating transport options | Principal, lead teacher, staff, children and PTA | Beginning in 2017-2018 |
| 4.6 | Develop links with community groups e.g. Age Action, Blue Teapot Theatre Company | PTA and staff | Ongoing |
| 4.7 | Forge links with local sports organisations to provide experiences and training opportunities | Staff and PTA | Ongoing |
| 4.8 | Develop a liaison programme for the transition to secondary school | Staff and children | 2020 |
- To create an atmosphere where pupils, staff, parents and the community feel safe, respected and valued and which develops a love of learning.
| Action | Responsible officer | Timeline | |
| 5.1 | Establish regular opportunities for parents and children to become more aware of safe ICT use | Principal and staff | 2017 and onwards |
| 5.2 | Develop additional extra-curricular activities | PTA | Ongoing |
| 5.3 | Allocate resources and support teachers in developing and performing shows in both English and Irish | Principal and Staff | Ongoing |
| 5.3 | Tosaigh oibre le haghaidh Gaelbhratach a bhaint amach (Begin work towards achieving the Irish Flag Award) | Principal, lead teacher, staff and children | Beginning in 2017-2018 |
| 5.4 | Initiate participation in the Green Flag programme | Principal, lead teacher, staff and children | Beginning in 2017-2018 |
| 5.5 | Initiate participation in the ISPCC Shield Flag programme (an anti-bullying campaign) | Principal, lead teacher, staff and children | Beginning in 2018-2019 |
| 5.6 | Establish plans for achieving an Active School Flag | Principal, lead teacher, staff and children | Beginning in 2019-2020 |
| 5.7 | Begin working on the Yellow Flag (a diversity programme) | Principal, staff and children | Beginning in 2021-2022 |
- To support the patron body in setting up a secondary school to enable pupils to complete their education in the ethos of Educate Together.
| Action | Responsible officer | Timeline | |
| 6.1 | Forge strong links with the Galway Educate Together Second-Level Campaign | PTA | 2017 |
| 6.2 | Ensure new parents are informed of the campaign | PTA | Ongoing |
| 6.3 | As children get older, seek their voice and involve them in the campaign | Staff and PTA | 2019 onwards |
6. Ratification and Review
This School Plan was ratified by the Board of Management on 15th June 2017. It will be reviewed on an annual basis in a report by the Principal to the school community.