We are delighted to share the exciting news that our new SPSC classrooms will officially open this Monday. This marks a very special milestone for our school community, and we are incredibly proud of the work that has gone into creating these purpose-built spaces to support our most complex learners.
Mrs Connolly, Miss Gordon and our SPSC staff, along with support from the SPL team and other school staff, have worked tirelessly over the past number of weeks to prepare for opening day. What has been created is a beautiful, calm, and nurturing space; a true sanctuary for our children.
Although finishing touches are still ongoing, we are so excited for our children to see the incredible progress and dedication that has gone into this project.
Re-naming Our SPiM Classes
While the formal labels attached to our classes are important in defining the specific purpose of each provision, we recognise that acronyms such as SPL and SPSC can feel confusing for both parents and pupils. We are also mindful that these terms can sound quite clinical when used in everyday school life, particularly when linked directly to children.
In light of this, we have introduced more child-friendly class names that better reflect our nurturing and inclusive school environment.
Going forward, within school we will use the following names:
SPL classes → Junior Oaks and Senior Oaks
SPSC classes → Junior Willows and Senior Willows
Please note that the formal SPL and SPSC terminology will still be used where required for official EA documentation.
Considering Specialist Provision Placements
When considering Specialist Provision in Mainstream (SPiM) as an alternative to a Special School placement, our Board of Governors recognises that the terminology used on SEN Statements—such as SPL, SPSC, and SLD—can sometimes feel confusing for parents. Understandably, families want clear information when trying to identify which type of provision is best equipped to meet their child’s individual needs, particularly in relation to staff‑to‑pupil ratios, specialist training, medical input, facilities, and resources.
SEN provision can vary significantly across the province, and deciding which setting is most appropriate for your child can be a complex and emotional process. Special Schools and SLD classes are resourced very differently from SPL and SPSC classes, often including access to specialist medical professionals and purpose‑built therapeutic facilities such as sensory rooms, specialist equipment, and physical development supports.
Our SPL and SPSC classes, including those at Edenderry Primary School, are designed to support children whose primary needs relate to moderate learning needs (SPL) or social communication needs (SPSC). Other provisions, such as SLD classes or Special Schools, are specifically structured and resourced to meet the needs of children with severe learning difficulties and more significant global developmental needs.
The Board of Governors would like to reassure parents that we are extremely proud of our staff, our Specialist Provision, and our facilities, which have been recognised positively by both the Inspectorate and the Northern Ireland Children’s Commissioner. However, it is important to acknowledge openly and honestly that SPiM provision does have its limitations and cannot offer the same level of specialist facilities and medical input as a Special School or SLD setting.
When selecting the most appropriate provision for your child, we fully appreciate that factors such as location and the presence of siblings within the main school are important considerations for families. However, these should be balanced carefully alongside the most crucial factor of all—ensuring that the chosen provision has the staffing, expertise, and facilities needed to support your child’s specific and individual needs.
A Heartfelt Thank You
On behalf of the Board of Governors and the Senior Leadership Team, we want to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who has played a part in preparing for Monday. Your commitment, teamwork, and generosity have made this possible, and it is deeply appreciated.
We would like to offer a special thank you to Damian McElduff and the construction team from JDC Building Works and Gareth Hutton, Nigel Mcgarry and Andrew Agnew from the Education Authority.
We would also extend our sincere thanks to John Jameson and the staff from Taylor Specialist Services Ltd for their extremely generous contribution to the groundwork at the rear of the new building. Their time, effort, and expertise have transformed a previously unfinished area into a space that perfectly meets our needs.
Formal Opening
A formal opening of the new classrooms will take place in September, when our outdoor areas are fully completed, and our grounds are in their best condition. We look forward to celebrating this achievement together then.
Thank you once again for your continued support. We are excited to begin this new chapter on Monday and to see our pupils thrive in these wonderful new spaces.
