What we Do

Henrietta Street School is a school for children at risk aged 12 – 16 years old.

The children come from an area with a severe socio-economic disadvantage. They generally come from situations with a multiplicity of difficulties, any combination of which can put a child seriously at-risk. Most have had serious difficulties in previous schools - very low attendance rates, repeated suspensions and, in some cases, expulsion. The majority have learning difficulties. Some have been in other special schools and have been referred by their school.

MISSION STATEMENT

Aim

We aim to offer a nurturing learning environment where children can realise their unique potential and where individual programmes ensure that children experience regular success so as to facilitate their further self-development and progression to further education/training. 

Principles/Approach 

• We believe that every child has the capacity to learn and to form positive relationships.

• We believe that every child is entitled to:

         Explore and develop his/her talents; 

         A caring, consistent approach from staff;

         A clean, comfortable, bright school environment;

         Have fun.           

The way in which we work is consistent and flexible; fosters respectful relationships; encourages pupils to make responsible choices and reflect on their choices/decisions/behaviours.

Curriculum Principles/Approach 

Subjects provided: English, Math, Gaeilge, History, Geography, Wellbeing (CSPE, SPHE. P.E.), Religion, Home Economics, Art, Business Studies

Certification is provided at Junior Cycle Levels 2 and 3 (Junior Cert.). We do not provide a Leaving Cert. programme.

The school participates in the Junior Certificate Schools Programme (JCSP).

The student: teacher ratio is 5:1. This makes individualised learning programmes possible.

Supporting Families

The school employs a full time, qualified social worker. Her work includes daily contact with parents/carers, counselling support for students, helping families access external supports, setting up follow-on options for departing students and keeping the relevant staff informed of challenges in the students’ lives. Her role is vital in ensuring excellent home/school relationships and in helping teachers understand the wider context of our students’ lives.

Referrals and Admission

Referrals are received from primary and second level schools, social workers, Education Welfare Officers, Garda J.L.O.’s, parents and other agencies.  All referrals are dealt with by the school’s Social Worker who seeks the child’s details and background information on the child’s schooling and social history.  The child’s name is then put on the referrals list. 

Referrals of children younger than 11 and older than 15 years of age are not accepted. 

A new pupil can be admitted at any stage of the school year but the large majority of new students commence at the start of each new school year as that is when most vacancies occur.

Unfortunately, due to demand exceeding capacity, we do not have a school placement for every young person that is referred.

For full details of the referral and admission procedures please also see our

Admissions Policy,  Admissions Notice  and the  Referral/Application form: