Training for the Running of Effective Student Councils in Post-Primary Schools 13.10.25

ZOOM online

This webinar is aimed at all Post Primary Student Council Liaison Teachers, particularly those newly appointed. The workshop will explore the rationale for democratically elected student councils, the student voice, the operation of effective student councils, roles and functions, running elections, holding meetings, organising activities and the role of the liaison teacher.

Facilitator:      Richard Egan, former post primary teacher and member of the National Student Council Support Team, currently Assistant Professor in Education, School Placement Lead, PME Post Primary Programme, Hibernia College

Collaboration for Inclusion: Strengthening Professional Relationships and Co-Teaching to Support All Learners 14.10.25

Online

This course helps teachers work together to improve learning outcomes for all students - especially those with additional needs - through strong professional collaboration.  

Participants will:  

• Build respectful, trusting relationships between Class Teachers and SETs  

• Learn practical strategies for joint planning, teaching, and reflection  

• Explore co-teaching as a flexible, inclusive approach - not just in-class support  

• Use teacher voice to shape shared decision-making and professional learning  

• Focus all collaboration on meeting students’ learning, social, and emotional needs  

The course equips primary teachers to work as a team - so that every child receives the right support to thrive. 

Learning Outcome 

1. Establish and sustain professional relationships between Class Teachers and SETs that are rooted in trust, respect, and shared responsibility.  

2. Plan and implement inclusive teaching through co-teaching models and collaborative strategies that support all learners, especially those with additional needs.  

3. Use structured reflection and shared professional learning to adapt teaching practices and improve student outcomes.  

4. Advocate for and apply teacher voice in team-based planning, decision-making, and whole-school approaches to inclusion.

Empowering Special Needs Assistants: Roles and Interview Preparation 14.10.25

ZOOM online

Join us for a comprehensive webinar designed for individuals interested in becoming Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) or those looking to enhance their skills in this crucial role.
"Empowering Special Needs Assistants: Roles and Interview Preparation" offers an in-depth exploration of the responsibilities of SNAs, providing insights into how they support students with diverse needs and contribute to an inclusive educational environment.
What to Expect:
Understanding the Role of SNAs: Gain a clear understanding of the vital role SNAs play in supporting students with special educational needs and fostering an inclusive classroom.
Effective Strategies for SNAs: Learn practical strategies and approaches to effectively assist students, enhancing their learning experiences and social interactions.
Interview Preparation for SNAs: Equip yourself with the skills needed to succeed in SNA interviews, including how to effectively communicate your experiences and demonstrate your commitment to inclusive education.
Professional Development Opportunities: Discover pathways for ongoing professional growth and development to advance your career as an SNA.

This webinar is a valuable opportunity for aspiring and current SNAs to refi ne their skills, boost their confidence, and prepare for impactful roles within schools. Don’t miss this chance to make a meaningful difference in the educational experiences of students—register today and take the first step towards a fulfilling career as a Special Needs Assistant!

Facilitator:     Elaine King. With over 20 years of experience in the field of education, I am a dedicated teaching principal, leader coach, and mentor committed to fostering a positive and empowering learning environment. My journey in education has been driven by a passion for nurturing the potential of both students and educators, ensuring that everyone in my community has the opportunity to thrive. 

Erasmus+ KA122 Information Session: School Education 15.10.2025

Laois Education Support Centre

This is an in-person Information Session suitable for primary and post-primary teachers being held at Laois Education Centre. Hear about Erasmus+ opportunities for your school!

Are you working in the Schools Education sector and hoping to find out more about how you can apply for Erasmus+ funding?

We are hosting an in-person information session on 15/10/25 from 5:00pm to 6:30pm at Laois Education Centre. The next deadline for applications to KA122 Short Term funding for learner and staff mobilities will be in February 2026.

Explore the Erasmus+ opportunities open to staff and learners by joining our KA122 information session.

This is an informal session designed to provide you with an overview of the opportunities available in Erasmus+ Schools Education.

Our team will share the details of where to start when making an application and you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

Ahead of the event, check out Explore School Education Opportunities - Leargas on the Léargas website to find out more about the types of funding available.

We look forward to helping you kickstart your Erasmus+ journey!

Facilitator:          Deirdre O’Brien, Leargas

Head Injuries and Concussion in the School Environment 15.10.2025

ZOOM online

This webinar is suitable for primary and post-primary teaches and SNAs.
This webinar will look at what concussion is, how it is caused and how to recognise and treat this condition. At the end of the webinar participants will be able to recognise concussion and know when to escalate this to a higher medical level.
Learning Outcomes
Understand what Concussion is, how to recognise Concussion and when to escalate this to a higher clinical level.

Everyday AI: Tools to Promote Student Wellbeing (P/PP Teaches & SNAs) 15.10.25

Online

This webinar suitable for primary /post-primary teachers and SNAs introduces practical AI tools that educators can use to promote student wellbeing in sustainable and engaging ways. From digital wellbeing check-ins to personalised visuals and reflective journaling prompts, we’ll explore how AI can support the Wellbeing Framework. The session includes tool demonstrations, ethical guidance, and simple strategies to empower students as active participants in their wellbeing.  

It also raises awareness of digital citizenship and responsible AI use - ensuring wellbeing practices are not only effective, but ethical and future-focused. 

By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to: 

• Identify AI tools that can be used to enhance student wellbeing through personalised, engaging, and low-effort activities. 
• Apply simple AI strategies to create wellbeing resources that align with the Wellbeing Framework while supporting sustainability and workload reduction. 
• Explore how AI can promote student agency and voice in wellbeing practices in a developmentally appropriate way. 
• Recognise the importance of digital citizenship and ethical AI use in schools, ensuring safe, inclusive, and future-focused wellbeing promotion. 

Facilitator: Nicola’s Culloty's career journey started as a primary school teacher where she devoted over two decades to nurturing young minds in the classroom.  Driven by a passion for mental health and well-being, Nicola returned to the academic world and earned her Master's degree in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in 2019. She has since completed a Diploma in Traumatology and PTSD and a further Diploma in Coaching.  

In 2020, she founded Full Circle CBT, an organisation offering online therapeutic support to individuals of all ages.  Nicola's expertise extends beyond therapy; she actively conducts training workshops for school communities and organisations, equipping them with essential tools to foster mental wellness in their communities. 

Nicola has provided training and workshops to many schools, organisations and government agencies over the past number of years. She has worked closely with NALA, Mary Immaculate College of Education, TUSLA, the Institute of Guidance Counsellors, European School Varese, ESCI and many more. Driven by a passion for mental health and well-being, Nicola returned to the academic world and earned her Master's degree in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in 2019. She has since completed a Diploma in Traumatology and PTSD and a further Diploma in Coaching.  

Leading Learning and Teaching in Schools (P/PP) 16.10.25

ZOOM online

Target Group:      Middle leaders/Aspiring Middle Leaders/Heads of Subject Departments/School SSE team members in primary and post primary schools who are interested in developing initiatives focused on learning and teaching in the wider school context.

Course Content:    High quality learning and teaching is fundamental to everything we as teachers aspire to in our professional practice. This course, offered over a single session will help participants to:

• Identify/share/discuss potential initiatives/themes that may offer opportunities for future development
• Outline the steps to bring the initiative from initial idea to actual teacher practice amongst the wider school community
• Detail the steps to implement an effective action research approach to ensure the initiative succeeds

The course will have a practical focus and will provide opportunities for participants to engage in discussion and share good practice.

Facilitator:          Harry Freeman, Education Consultant

Sensory Considerations in the Classroom (Teachers & SNAs) 16.10.25

Online

This webinar suitable for teachers and SNAs will focus on sensory considerations in the classroom and how we as teachers and SNA's can support the child's sensory regulation throughout the day.

A resource pack of slides, handouts and links will be available to participants through the education centre following the course.

Participants will: 

• Identify and discuss the sensory systems including the interoceptive system and how important they are for a child's learning and emotional development
• Consider occupational therapy reports and recommendations and understand  how to implement some recommendations at school 
• Learn how to undertake sensory audits and observations in the school setting and understanding the role of the teacher/SNA with regards to sensory intervention and support. 
• Discuss planning for sensory support throughout the day ( a sensory diet that is not about food) -  facilitated with and without SNA support 
• Explore the purpose of regulation versus Movement breaks - understanding how to best support the child and to evaluate the effectiveness of the break 
• Receive recommendations for further reading, courses and websites or experts 

Facilitator:       Marie Byrne is an educator with over 35 years of experience in the field of education and additional needs. She has wealth of professional and personal experience of loving and living and working with people with Autism and brings a neuro- psychotherapeutic perspective to her work in the area.

Marie is an experienced teacher trainer & advisor and a child and adolescent psychotherapist specialising in play-therapy. She has worked as a special education and Autism advisor to schools and other organisations for many years.

Having worked as an Autism advisor with the Special Education Support Service ( SESS) and NCSE for a number of years she returned to her role as an autism support class and early intervention class teacher in CBS Primary school in Wexford where she also holds the position of Inclusion Co-ordinator

Conference on Why Languages Matter: Belonging, Identity, Autonomy

Laois Education Support Centre