KCETB Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board
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Tá an oibríocht seo á comhchistiú ag Rialtas na hÉireann agus ag an Aontas Eorpach
This operation is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union
KCETB Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board
Rialtas na hEireann Government of Ireland
Co-Funded by the European Union
EN
EN GA 
Tá an oibríocht seo á comhchistiú ag Rialtas na hÉireann agus ag an Aontas Eorpach
This operation is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union

Kilkenny & Carlow ETB hears, “all children are different, and all children belong” at National Inclusive Special Education Conference

Kilkenny & Carlow ETB hears, “all children are different, and all children belong” at National Inclusive Special Education Conference  

 

Kilkenny & Carlow Education and Training Board (KCETB) schools and education partners recently gathered for the national RISE (Realising Inclusive Special Education) showcase, which highlighted how inclusive practice is already improving learning, belonging and engagement for young people across the system.

Led by Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI) in partnership with Mary Immaculate College (MIC), the RISE strategy supports schools to plan inclusively, collaborate within and across schools, and use resources more effectively for the benefit of all students. Schools at the showcase demonstrated clearer whole‑school planning, smoother student transitions and stronger teamwork, reflecting a shift from isolated supports to shared responsibility.

Aisling Gannon, Conor Power, Linda McCormack and Laura Dudley pictured at the national RISE showcase
Coláiste Cois Siúire representatives Aisling Gannon, Conor Power, Linda McCormack and Laura Dudley pictured at the national RISE showcase

Speaking following the event, Dr. Pauline Egan Director of Schools said “Huge congratulations to the fantastic teachers and leaders in Coláiste Cois Siúire and Duiske College who proudly shared their journeys of embedding inclusive practice and provision at last week’s ETBI RISE event. As an ETB, we are incredibly proud of their work and of all our KCETB schools for their continued commitment to making inclusive education a reality.”

Now embedded in over 220 post‑primary schools nationwide, RISE is increasingly recognised as a practical model for system integration.

Dr Johanna Fitzgerald, ETBI National Inclusion, Special Education and Research Coordinator and RISE Lead, described RISE as a celebration of belonging, progress and partnership across school communities. “RISE provides an architecture for self‑improving schools. It shows what is possible when policy ambition is matched with sustained support for implementation.”

Representing KCETB schools at the conference were Maria Hayles from Duiske College along with Linda Mc Cormack, Deputy Principal, Coláiste Cois Siúire, Laura Dudley, Coláiste Cois Siúire, and Aisling Gannon, Coláiste Cois Siúire.

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