Our Four Special Schools
Tigh Nan Dooley Scoil Speisialta, Carraroe
St. Joseph’s Special School, Galway City
St. Oliver’s Special School, Tuam
St. Teresa’s Special School, Ballinasloe
For further information regarding local availability of school placements and options open to any children with additional needs including a specialist school placement, contacting a special educational needs officer (SENO) through the NCSE is the most appropriate route. Your local CDNT can also guide you.
To enrol at one of the four schools under the patronage of Ability West, a recommendation for a special school placement by the child’s CDNT is essential. Children can enrol from age 5 to age 17. Children graduate from special school the June after their 18th birthday.
As patron to the schools, Ability West commits to working with the schools' Boards of Management and the school staff to provide the very best educational experience. We promote inclusion of all, at all levels. We take great pride in seeing the graduates move from school into well planned and supported adult placements. Each Chairperson of the every school’s Board of Management is appointed by and reports to the Patron.
Please note, unlike at other special schools, the respite services for any pupils enrolled in the four schools is provided through Ability West and not the local CDNT.
More information available. if you need to get more information please use the contact form.
St Joseph's special school
St. Joseph's in Galway City, established in 1964, is a large, yet close-knit, multi-denominational school for children with moderate learning disabilities. With around 100 dedicated staff, it offers a tailored mainstream curriculum in a warm, child-centered environment. The school has strong ties with GAP House, NUIG, the Down Syndrome Ireland Galway branch, and collaborates with the seven CDNT teams in County Galway.
St. Oliver’s Special School
St. Oliver’s Special School in Tuam, Co. Galway, educates pupils aged 4 to 18 with severe to profound learning disabilities and those with multiple moderate diagnoses, including Autism and Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties. Under the patronage of Ability West, it offers a full curriculum supported by Special Needs Assistants and an on-site nurse. The school employs approaches like PECS, TEACCH, and Lámh to aid development. Bús Éireann provides door-to-door transport, and hot meals are served daily.
Tigh Nan Dooley School
Tigh Nan Dooley School’s mission is to enhance the lives of children with special needs and their families through education in a caring, supportive, and joyful environment. As part of Ability West, Tigh Nan Dooley Special School fosters a collaborative, safe, and stimulating atmosphere that values individuality and celebrates all cultural and religious backgrounds.
St Teresa's Special School
St. Teresa's, a Special School in Ballinasloe under Ability West, aims to nurture and advance pupils in a caring environment. For more information, including parent testimonials, the updated school calendar, and the 2024/25 Admissions Notice, visit our website. For any concerns, contact our Principal Anita. Enrollment for the current year is now closed.