Togher Boys National School wins "Most Inclusive" mainstream Primary  School at Down Syndrome Ireland's annual "Helping Hands" Awards

(Left - Right: Ms Clare Leonard, President, Down Syndrome Ireland, Mr. Jack Durkan, Principal, Togher Boys National School, student Luke Lane and Mairead McGuinness, MEP)

Togher Boys National School won "Most Inclusive" mainstream primary school at Down Syndrome Ireland's annual "Helping Hands" Awards in the Louis Fitzgerald Hotel in Dublin this weekend. There to accept the award on the night from MEP Mairead McGuiness was Principal Mr. Jack Durkan. The School had been nominated by student Luke Lane.

The School was recognised for having included its decision to accept children with special needs into its official School Policy, for its welcoming and proactive attitude that never viewed disability as a barrier, it's clear and effective communication to Parents and its overall "can do" attitude to integration.

Speaking about the award, President of Down Syndrome Ireland, Ms. Clare Leonard said: "Togher Boys National School has really embraced the ethos of inclusivity and we want to recognise all the Teachers and Students that have contributed to this attitude. They are helping young children with Down syndrome to reach their potential, while also ensuring children who don't have a disability gain greater awareness and understanding of what having a special need is all about".

The "Helping Hands Awards" are an annual event run by Down Syndrome Ireland. The awards honour outstanding achievements by people with Down syndrome as well as an array of volunteers, community groups and schools that have made major contributions to the lives of people with Down syndrome.