ST RAPHAELS SPECIAL SCH
School Details
About
St Raphael’s Special School provides a dedicated educational setting for pupils aged 5‑18 with moderate, severe and profound learning difficulties, including autism, sensory challenges and physical or medical needs. The school’s ethos centres on recognising each child’s individual strengths and fostering independence through practical life‑skill development, functional academic learning and social‑interpersonal growth. A strong partnership with parents is encouraged, with regular communication via the Aladdin and Seesaw applications, newsletters and a Facebook page to keep families informed and involved. The campus combines a purpose‑built main building (opened 1972) with a range of specialised facilities: a purpose area, cookery and sensory rooms, two intimate personal‑care suites, a movement‑break room, a nurses’ station, an outdoor playground and garden, an outside classroom, four individual learning spaces and additional outdoor teaching zones. Support services include a dedicated transport provision coordinated by the Department of Education, NCSE and Bus Éireann, daily catered lunches from Twist Food Services, and organised outings that promote community integration and life‑skill practice.
History
St Raphael’s Special School was recognised by the Department of Education in 1963. The main school building dates from 1972, with additional temporary accommodation added over subsequent years. The school operates as part of St John of God services.