We're thrilled to be part of the NCSE's transitions pilot, running in 41 special schools across the country. This pilot aims to:

• Explore various pathways for our students
• Build essential skills and capabilities for life after school
• Ensure smoother transitions
• Enhance teacher expertise in guiding transitions

This initiative stems from the Comprehensive Employment Strategy (CES) and provides each participating school with dedicated hours to focus on post-school options. The activities are diverse and exciting, encouraging schools to be creative and innovative in supporting successful transitions. We're not promoting one specific path but rather finding the best fit for each student. This pilot will shape future practices in both special and mainstream schools.

At St Michaels House SNS, Ballymun, our students are thriving! They're learning to meet their personal, social, and health needs while taking on leadership roles and modelling grown-up behaviours. They engage in practical tasks like helping younger students, managing post, delivering messages, organising pop up shops, repak talk and road safety training as well as doing "office" work with tools like staplers, scissors, and laminators. They're also involved in recycling and environmental projects, including our fantastic Incredible Edibles growing program.

Beyond the school, our senior students have been making a difference in the community. They've helped at Kris Morton's Hair Studio, the local library, Albert College Park, and the community garden in Ballymun. This year, we've partnered with DCU gym and re-established a relationship with Specsavers, Finglas, to offer even more community-based, individualized experiences for our students.

We're excited about the opportunities this pilot brings and look forward to seeing our student’s thrive!