Stepping Stones Special School
Kildare
Key facts
- Special school
- Some Irish-medium
- Boys
- Pupils enrolled
- 42 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 3 girls, 39 boys
- Ethos
- Multi Denominational
- Teaching through Irish
- Some subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 20379Q the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
Stepping Stones Special School is a non‑denominational, co‑educational institution that provides high‑quality education for children diagnosed with autism and complex needs. Under the patronage of Autism Ireland, the school delivers a broad, balanced curriculum that is child‑centred and evidence‑based, adapting to each pupil’s learning style, pace, individual needs and abilities. It caters for students aged 5‑18 years, currently supporting 42 pupils across seven classes. The school boasts a range of specialist facilities designed to promote sensory integration, functional independence and social development, including dedicated sensory rooms, an OT suite, a sensory garden, a life‑skills suite, an assembly hall and a playground. The educational programme combines academic teaching with functional living skills, enabling students to engage confidently in community activities such as shopping or visiting health‑care providers. A collaborative ethos underpins the school’s work with parents, the local community and staff, fostering an inclusive environment where dignity, respect and wellbeing are at the heart of daily practice.
History
Stepping Stones Special School began in October 2001 within Newbridge College as the Kildare ABA School, initially serving six students with an Applied Behaviour Analysis approach. In summer 2002 it moved to Kilcloon National School premises and was renamed Stepping Stones Meath ABA School. Recognised and funded on a project basis by the Department of Education and Science in February 2003, the school secured a permanent home in Harristown, Kilcloon in February 2005. Pupil numbers rose to thirty in January 2006, and in April 2011 the school became part of the Department of Education and Skills, regulated under primary school regulations. With Autism Ireland as its patron, the school achieved permanent recognition in September 2015. Ongoing building challenges led to a ministerial visit in March 2019, resulting in an additional 80 m² sensory room, while plans for a suitable permanent facility continue.
Applying to Stepping Stones Special School
For a September 2027 place, a school's formal admissions process cannot begin before 1 October 2026. The school sets its own opening and closing dates in its annual admission notice.
National term dates 2026/27
View Stepping Stones Special School's own calendar (2026/2027 school year)
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to Stepping Stones Special School. The school publishes its own calendar, linked above, and that is the authoritative source for its reopening date and discretionary closure days.
- October Mid-Term Break: Mon 26 Oct – Fri 30 Oct 2026
- Christmas Holidays: Wed 23 Dec 2026 – Tue 5 Jan 2027
- February Mid-Term Break: Thu 18 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027 (post-primary schools: Mon 15 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027)
- Easter Holidays: Mon 22 Mar – Sun 4 Apr 2027
Primary schools close for the last two days of the February mid-term week and may use discretionary days to take the full week, so their break can be shorter than post-primary schools'.
Frequently asked questions about Stepping Stones Special School
How many pupils attend Stepping Stones Special School?
Stepping Stones Special School has 42 pupils enrolled, 3 girls and 39 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Stepping Stones Special School a DEIS school?
No. Stepping Stones Special School is not part of DEIS, the Department of Education programme of additional supports for schools serving communities at risk of educational disadvantage. Not holding DEIS status says nothing about how good a school is, only about the profile of the community it serves.
Does Stepping Stones Special School teach through Irish?
Partly. Stepping Stones Special School teaches some subjects through Irish.