Devastated Laois special school staff 'near breaking point'

Kolbe Special School staff have described the level of extra work and stress they face to care for their students and keep them safe, while enduring poor work conditions.

The school has 22 Special Needs Assistants, such is the level of care required by the 43 pupils.

Avril Browne spoke on their behalf.

“Most of the children are without speech so we are their voices.

“On a typical day, we assist them to get into their standers and their wheelchairs and schoolchairs, and help children with autism. We are pushing heavy equipment out of the way, in and out of doors several times a day.

A full hall at the emergency meeting for Kolbe Special School.

“One classroom has no bathroom and access for one is the far side of the hall. No bathrooms have ceiling hoists so we have to push them from the bathroom through the doors.  We are constantly planning and adjusting to meet their needs. You are in a hurry when a child is unwell, and fire drills are our least favourite. 

"They all love time outside in our playground but that is at a lower level so we go down the slope and park on it to open the gate, our hearts sink if we see rain. If the outside space is off the schedule the children are confined all day and with no hall or sensory room, and 16 mobile students with autism. It is extra challenging. We have no quiet areas. It causes a health and safety impact on the other students and the staff. 

"We work in cramped, unhealthy conditions. There are 40 staff sharing two toilets. Our carpark is overflowing. We feel selfish mentioning the welfare of staff but we are put to the test and we are close to breaking point.

"Despite these obstacles, everyone does their very best and the children lift us up. We smile and keep going. We ask our public representatives to stand with us and urge a new school for Kolbe," Avril Browne said.

Yvonne Hennessy is Deputy Principal.

"We are devastated with the decision made by officials in the Department to place the new building on hold. Our school community is very small but what we lack in size is made up in the wonderful dedication of staff, students, parents and friends. 

"Most parents have a wonderful choice of state of the art school buildings, our students have no choice, we are the only one in the county. Our building is unfit and we have tolerated it for far too long. I call on all of you to be part of our campaign to assist families to get what they rightly deserve. 

"The facilities here have a profound impact on teachers and students, on health, behaviours, learning and growth. Without adequate facilities, it is extremely difficult," Ms Hennessy said.

Poor accoustics and air quality cause further anxiety, aggression and health problems for the children she said. 

'Too many empty promises' Kolbe parent's passionate plea

"There is evidence of mould spreading in every single room. There is no insulation, it is too cold in winter and too hot in summer. We have just three classrooms and six prefabs serving as classrooms.

"it is unacceptable that our students are not receiving quality teaching because of the unsuitability of the building. I do feel for all fifty schools but we must progress Kolbe to be a priority. I ask that you stand with us as one voice to ensure action is taken," the teacher said.