1. Centrally located in Mullingar

2. Opened in 1984 - over 35 years

3. We provide a service to students whose primary descriptor is a Mild or Moderate General Learning Disability

4. We have 2 primary and 7 second level classes + Resource

5. Students access Primary curriculum programme, Aisteor, Junior Certificate and Leavers’ programme

6. Transport is provided by DES

General Learning Disability (GLD) 

Children with general learning disabilities find it more difficult to learn, understand and do things than other children of the same age. They can continue to learn and make progress all through their lives but at a slower pace than other children. A general learning disability can be at the level of mild, moderate, severe or profound. The impact of the disability can be very different for individuals, with each child showing a unique profile of strengths and needs. A psychologist is the professional who assesses children’s learning ability. When psychologists do this, they take into account a number of different factors.

• the age of the child

• how well the child is coping with ordinary everyday tasks at school and at home such as using money, home-work, going to the shop, dressing, feeding and so on

• whether the child is making friends with their peer-group and is able to take part, appropriately, in games and other activities

• how well the child performs on tests of intelligence, reading, numeracy

• the child’s ability to use and understand language

Mild General Learning Disability

Children with mild general learning disabilities develop at a slower rate than other children. Their speech and language may take longer to develop. They may have difficulty in forming concepts, such as colour, and in putting their thoughts and ideas into words. Some children may show a lack of co-ordination in motor activities, for example, hand-writing, football, skipping or tying shoelaces. It can be more difficult for these children to pay attention in class and to remember what they have learned. They may have greater difficulty transferring what they learn in the classroom to other settings. Children with mild general learning disabilities have difficulties with most areas of the curriculum in school, including reading, writing and comprehension and mathematics. It can also take longer for them to develop the skills that are necessary for daily living which include the ability to take care of themselves and to relate to others. Some children with mild general learning disability may find it difficult to adapt to school life and may show signs of inappropriate or what might be considered immature behaviour. 

Moderate General Learning Disability

Children with moderate general disabilities show significant delays in reaching developmental milestones, such as walking, talking, reading, writing and so on. They have considerable difficulty with basic literacy and numeracy and their language, communication, personal and social development is affected. Many students with moderate general learning disabilities have great difficulty concentrating on tasks and transferring what they learn from one situation to another. They need simple, direct and clear instruction in order to benefit from the classroom situation. Some children with moderate general learning disabilities can have additional disabilities or conditions, including autistic spectrum disorders, medical conditions, physical and/or sensory disabilities, and emotional/behavioural difficulties.