• Gary Brennan and Kevin Ward (Vice Principals), Lismore College
Lismore School has recently been accoladed with the IQM National Inclusion Champion Award in recognition of their outstanding inclusive practice. They are a community-focused school taping into external expertise to the benefit of their students. They pride themselves on knowing the children and their needs through a comprehensive transition programme and detailed, shared information on every child.
Their curriculum planning is responsive and will be adapted for each cohort of students. There is an individualised approach to supporting pupils needs so that all can access the curriculum. Lismore has recently moved into a new building and they have deliberately planned the site so that the Learning Support Centre is in the heart of the school.
They have recently been given the Autism Award by the Middletown Centre for Autism for their innovative work around meeting the needs of children on the Autism Spectrum within a mainstream setting. This work involved several strands; teaching and learning and pastoral approaches, careful consideration of the learning environment and the upskilling of staff and parents. In particular support staff have been empowered and trained to be able to have significant impact. The school is currently looking at their enrichment programme with the ambitious aim of ensuring all students engage with some element.