St Ultans primary school is the only school in Cherry Orchard and a DEIS band 1 school.
In St Ultans Primary school we afford the children enriched learning experiences through creative, progressive and innovative approaches in implementing the Primary Curriculum. We use evidence based programmes, many of which are internationally acclaimed and robustly evaluated – including The Incredible Years Programme, Restorative Practice, Peer Mediation, Mindfulness, Reading Recover, Maths Recovery, Wizard Of Words, Doodle Den, Rainbows, Parents Plus and Strengthening Families.
Our School is a happy and safe place, where every child matters. Our Partnership with our parents and families, along with our colleagues in the Nursery, Early Ed, Care Unit and Wider community of Cherry Orchard is of primary importance to us as we endeavour to provide opportunities, learning experiences and supports that will enable each child reach his/her full potential.
In September 2014, St Ultans opened three classes for children with autism (ASD). These classes are called ‘The Orchard’. The Orchard has two Junior Classes and one Senior Class.
The Orchard caters for the needs of children with ASD between the ages of 5 and 12. The pupil-teacher ratio is 6:1 and pupils are further supported by a minimum of two special needs assistants per class. In the Orchard, inclusion with mainstream peers and activities is sensitively managed and detailed consideration is given to each child’s readiness to engage in an inclusive manner with the mainstream programmes. Parental involvement in the learning and teaching programmes of children with ASDs is imperative in order to foster consistency between all environments for the children. St Ultans promotes and facilitates close liaison with parents so that the home and educational environments can complement and reinforce learning.
