STAFF and pupils at Joseph’s Primary School Carnacaville were joined by representatives from the Education Authority (EA) and The Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS) to celebrate the official opening of the Rainbow Room.
The Rainbow Room is an Early Years and Foundation Stage Special Provision in Mainstream Classroom at St Joseph’s Primary School.
The room has been operational since September 2023 and serves pupils with severe learning difficulties from the surrounding local communities of Carnacaville, Bryansford, and Newcastle.
It continues 186 years of educating children on the site as the new classroom is based in the original school room built in 1838.
In preparation for September 2023 the EA and Greystone Joinery and Construction completed extensive renovations over the summer months to ensure a high-quality provision for its newest pupils.
Principal Christopher McCann said: “In just seven short months, we have witnessed many special events with our Rainbow Room pupils.
“From the simple routine of sharing a meal together to the more profound moments of hearing emergent language and displays of empathy and affection to classmates. They continue to astound us daily.
“Our mainstream pupils have embraced their Rainbow Room peers with open arms, enriching everyone’s educational journey in the process.
“However, this would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our team and our education partners, who have helped bring this vision to life.”
Peter Canavan, EA SEND Placements Programme Director, commented: “The EA’s most critical priority is ensuring that all children and young people with Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) get the right support from the right people, at the right time and in the right place.
“I am delighted to join with the children, staff, and leadership at St Joseph’s Primary to celebrate the achievements in the new Rainbow Room and wider school.
“It is wonderful to see how the children in the Rainbow Room have flourished as they are educated alongside their mainstream peers.
“Additionally, to hear how this inclusive ethos has enhanced the learning experiences in the wider school, and the local community.
“The EA is committed to continuing to work with schools to ensure that all children can access an education which meets their needs.”
Eugene O’Neill, CCMS Director of Workforce Planning and Governance and a former pupil, added: “It was a delight to return to my old school and celebrate the opening of this unit.
“St Joseph’s PS has always prided itself on providing a welcoming and happy environment and it is wonderful that even more children can access the support they need and deserve in their local community.
“It was humbling also to see the contribution that the staff and pupils in this unit have made to the whole school.
“I wish them every success as they continue to develop and our thanks to all those who have worked so hard to make the unit such an immediate success.”
