Who we are
In April 2023, the Department of Education (DE) granted Patronage of a new special school in Dublin City to City of Dublin Education and Training Board.
An Cosan Community Special School (Dublin 7 CSS) is a Community Special School that provides an appropriate education for students, aged 4 to 18 years old, who have a diagnosis of Autism and complex learning needs or moderate General Learning Disability and complex needs, and who have a professional recommendation for a special school. The school is located in Fitzwilliam Place North, Lower Grangegorman, D7. D07PY50.
The school operates within the regulations as outlined by the Rules for National Schools and relevant circulars and directives issued by the Department of Education. The school is funded by grants from the Department of Education. Staffing allocations are in line with those set out by the Department of Education. Under the direction of the Patron, the school is managed by a Board of Management. The Board of Management is made up of representatives of the Patron, parents, school staff and the community.
An Cosán CSS delivers the curriculum as prescribed by the Department of Education and adapted to meet the educational needs of each student. A variety of methodologies and strategies are adopted to maximise the students' learning potential. Supported by the child's multidisciplinary team, the teachers and staff provide a caring and challenging learning environment which fosters personal, social and academic development. All students have an Individual Student Support Plan designed specifically for them.
Our school is a place where everyone feels a sense of belonging and ownership. The school is characterised by respectful and positive relationships which support the dignity of every individual. We are committed to ensuring a safe environment where our students can maximise their potential. Forging meaningful relationships with the students, their parent(s)/guardian(s) and all involved in their care and education, is essential to ensuring a quality educational experience for our learners.
Principal’s Message
Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s),
I consider myself very privileged to be Principal of the first Special School under the patronage of City of Dublin ETB. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our parents/guardians for entrusting in us your sons’ and daughters’ care and education until they reach 18 years old.
The core principles of our ethos is to provide a safe, happy and nurturing environment where each one of your children can thrive. Our school community is diverse and inclusive and we celebrate the unique strengths and talents of each individual while recognizing the plurality of identities, beliefs and values held by our children, parents and staff.
Our Vision– “Empowering Learners, Igniting Possibilities, United in Community” drives everything we do as we strive to facilitate our children to learn in the ways that are best for them.
We believe in the importance of parents’ participation in their child’s education, as well as the value of student voice in shaping our school community and we know a strong partnership with you as parents and guardians will make a great difference in your child’s education.
As a new school we value our responsibility to our local community, and we look forward to making new connections and building new relationships with outside agencies, local businesses and local schools.
We hope you enjoy visiting our website.
Warm regards
Mairéad O’Brien
Principal
“If you can dream it, you can build it”