Scoíl Ide Naofa
School Details
Location
About
Scoil Íde Naofa is a Catholic primary school in Kilmead, County Kildare, providing co‑educational learning for children from Junior Infants to 6th Class. The school embraces a warm, inclusive ethos, celebrating each pupil’s individuality and aiming to develop confident, well‑rounded individuals ready for the next stage of their education. A strong emphasis is placed on personalised support, evident in the establishment of two dedicated Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) classes – the first opened in 2021 and a second added in 2023 – and a robust Special Educational Needs (SEN) team that includes three specialist staff and seven assistants. The campus has evolved considerably since its founding in 1949. Original facilities have been expanded through a series of extensions: a three‑classroom, staffroom, library/medical room and general‑purpose room added in 1996; a further three‑room block and a dedicated SET room in 2007; and two additional mainstream classrooms in 2011. Capital works in 2009 created a bus turning area, staff and visitor car park, expanded playground space and an enlarged, reseeded playing pitch. These developments provide ample indoor and outdoor learning environments, supporting both academic and extra‑curricular activities such as football and camogie. With a current enrolment of 161 pupils – a 60 % increase since 2002 – the school serves the Parish of Narraghmore as its nearest primary education provider. The staffing complement includes an administrative principal, six mainstream teachers, two ASD class teachers, a dedicated SEN team and essential ancillary staff, ensuring a well‑resourced learning community.
History
Scoil Íde Naofa was built in 1949 as a two‑roomed primary school. In 1976 it amalgamated with the nearby Skerries National School, prompting the addition of prefabricated classrooms. A major extension was sanctioned in 1996, delivering three new classrooms, a staffroom, library/medical room and a general‑purpose room. Further growth led to a three‑room extension and a SET room in 2007, followed by capital works in 2009 that added a bus turning area, staff/visitor car park, extra playground space and an expanded playing pitch. Two more mainstream classrooms were added in 2011. After 23 years of leadership by Mr Ed Kirwan, Mr Rob White became principal in 2019. The school opened its first ASD class in 2021 and a second in September 2023.