Mayo school is Ireland’s First Wheelchair Accessible Outdoor Pre-School

Cnoc na nÓg, Ireland’s first wheelchair accessible outdoor pre-school, was officially opened in Straide, Mayo, marking a significant milestone in promoting inclusivity in early childhood education.

The air was filled with excitement and joy as children from pre-school Cnoc na nÓg showcased their talents by reciting a heartfelt poem that they composed themselves.

Their performance, accompanied by instruments, captivated the audience and set a vibrant tone for the day.

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Cnoc na nÓg aims to create an inclusive environment where every child, regardless of their abilities, can engage naturally with nature and one another. The pre-school has undertaken significant efforts to provide essential therapies onsite, including Occupational Therapy (OT) and Speech and Language Therapy (SLT), made possible through funding. This initiative ensures that all children can avail of the support, where needed, for their developmental journey.

Principal Mrs. Caithríona Murrihy expressed her gratitude to all those who have supported the project, highlighting the community’s dedication to fostering an inclusive atmosphere for learning and growth.

She specifically thanked the Board of Management for their progressive dedication to inclusion and their unwavering faith in the project, as well as all the staff of Straide N.S. for their dedication and hard work.

The event was attended by Minister Dara Calleary, who performed the official opening, along with a blessing from Fr. Stephen O’Mahoney.

Notable guests included Alan Dillon TD, Rose Conway Walsh TD, Senator Mark Duffy, and Cllr Al McDonald, Laura Mulready from Mayo County Childcare, who all emphasised the importance of accessibility and inclusion in educational settings.

Their presence underscored the collective commitment from local leaders to champion the needs of all children. Absent with apologies Cllr. Donna Sheridan, Cllr. Harry Barrett, Cllr. Michael Kilcoyne, Cllr. Cyril Burke, Cllr. Blackie Gavin and Cllr. Ger Deere. All Cllrs. donated funding for the development of a sensory room and are sincerely thanked for their ongoing support.

The pre-school manager, Bronwyn Conway, reflected on the journey of creating Cnoc na nÓg, stating, “We are a pre-school for all. This space is dedicated to inclusion, allowing children to explore and learn without limitations. We are thrilled to see our vision come to life.”

As part of the celebration, refreshments were generously served by the parents of Straide N.S., adding a warm and welcoming touch to the event. The community of parents, staff, and children gathered to celebrate this momentous occasion, emphasising the shared mission of nurturing a supportive environment for every young learner.

Cnoc na nÓg is set to be a beacon of hope and inspiration, paving the way for more inclusive educational facilities throughout Ireland.

As the day concluded, the sense of camaraderie and enthusiasm among attendees was palpable, with hopes high for the future of inclusive education in Ireland. Cnoc na nÓg stands as a testament to what can be achieved when communities come together for a greater cause.

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