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Kildare Senator Calls On Education Minister To Support Expanding Special School In Kill

Photo : Kildare Senator Aubrey McCarthy

It's in relation to the school's secretarial allocation

Kildare Senator Aubrey McCarthy has written to the Minister for Education seeking an urgent review of the secretarial allocation at Saplings Special School in Kill.

Following an expansion at the request of the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), the school increased from five to seven classes in September 2026, with enrolment rising from 30 to 42 pupils with autism and complex needs.

Despite this 40% increase in enrolment, the school’s secretarial allocation remains unchanged at 29 hours per week.

The school is seeking an additional 6 hours to bring its secretarial position to full-time status at 35 hours per week, citing increased administrative demands, including communication with parents and external agencies, support for a larger staff team and additional governance responsibilities.

Comparable special schools, including Saplings Special School in Carlow and Belmayne Community Special School, receive full-time secretarial support despite having fewer pupils and classes.

Senator McCarthy has asked the Minister to review the allocation and ensure administrative support reflects the school’s expanded capacity and responsibilities.

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