Muire Naofa Castlecuffe
School Details
Location
About
Castlecuffe National School is a co‑educational primary school situated in the rural parish of Clonaslee, County Laois, and operates under the auspices of the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin. The school provides a broad, inclusive curriculum for junior infants through sixth class, with a particular emphasis on supporting children with additional needs. A dedicated special class for children with autism was opened in September 2025, and the school employs three special‑education teachers and 3.5 special needs assistants, ensuring personalised learning pathways and a supportive environment for all pupils. The campus has developed significantly since its establishment in 1953. Originally a two‑teacher school, it was expanded to three classrooms in 2004 and, in September 2020, a state‑of‑the‑art classroom was added for the senior classes (5th and 6th). Modern facilities include specialised learning spaces, a well‑equipped classroom for the autism provision, and outdoor areas that showcase the local flora and fauna of the Sliabh Bloom region. The school’s vibrant Parent Association works closely with the Board of Management, fostering strong home‑school partnerships and contributing to community projects such as the St Patrick’s Day parade and the BLAST art programme. Castlecuffe National School also embraces environmental stewardship through its Green Schools programme and maintains a proactive approach to child protection and health safety, as reflected in its dedicated policies and risk assessments. These elements combine to create a nurturing, forward‑looking educational setting that balances academic rigour with holistic development.
History
- 1953: Founded as a two‑teacher national school. - 2004: Extension added, increasing the number of classrooms to three. - September 2020: Completion of a new, state‑of‑the‑art classroom for 5th and 6th classes. - September 2025: Introduction of a specialised class for children with autism, expanding the teaching team to six teachers (including three special‑education teachers) and 3.5 special needs assistants.