Participants will:

• Examine legislation, policy and indicators of good practice relevant to transition from primary to post-primary.
• Explore the difficulties and challenges experienced by pupils with special educational needs during the transition process.
• Consider activities and strategies which may ease transitional difficulties.
• Investigate reading, resources and materials to assist in managing the transition process.

Geraldine O Loughlin is Principal of Scoil Mhuire Náisiunta, Corofin, Co Clare. She has a graduate Diploma and a Masters of Education in the area of Special Education, both awarded from Mary Immaculate College. She has just returned to her school after completing a five year secondment with the National Council for Special Education, where she worked as an Advisor on the Primary Inclusion Team.  Geraldine also designs and delivers seminars in SEN at third level.

Rose-Marie Flanagan is an administrative Principal at St. Anne’s School, Ennis, Co. Clare. She worked as a SENCO, special class teacher and mainstream class teacher at St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Tulla, Co. Clare. Rose-Marie also completed a five-year secondment as an Advisor with the NCSE and currently works as an Associate with the NCSE. She designs and delivers seminars in SEN at third level also. She has a graduate Diploma in SEN and a Masters of Education in the area of Special Education, both awarded from Mary Immaculate College. Her current interests are Inclusion Policy and Practice, Social and Emotional learning, Positive Behaviour Support and Assistive Technology.