Education
Services
The Boarding Campuses provide support for young Deaf girls and boys of school-going age who attend The Holy Family School for the Deaf. Our campuses are committed to providing a safe, quality support service through Irish Sign Language (ISL) that respects each child’s rights, identity, and wellbeing.
The primary purpose of the Boarding Campuses is to facilitate educational access through ISL while supporting the development of each young person’s Deaf cultural identity, as well as their social, recreational, and physical activities in an ISL-rich environment. Our services are designed to ensure access to communication, uphold the rights of Deaf children and young people, and provide a safe, nurturing environment where they are protected from harm. All staff are trained in child protection and safeguarding, and are required to be proficient in ISL to create an inclusive, fully accessible setting.
Our Boarding Campus
Children and young people are encouraged to engage with the Deaf community, including opportunities to participate in activities at Deaf Village Ireland and connect with local Deaf organisations such as Irish Deaf Society and Chime. We also provide families with information about ISL, run Parent Plus programmes in partnership with the school, and actively promote access to ISL classes to support communication development. We recognise that some young people may return to communities with limited Deaf services after leaving boarding, and we work to help maintain lifelong connections to the Deaf community.
Boarding accommodation is age-appropriate and includes single rooms or shared rooms on request. Facilities include art , cinema, sensory rooms, recreational areas, communal dining spaces and extensive indoor and outdoor areas for physical activity. Children and young people have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities such as basketball, swimming, football, yoga, art, and Taekwondo, with options tailored to individual interests and seasonal availability.
As a neuro-affirming, rights-based service, we celebrate individuality and provide opportunities for children to explore, develop life skills, and gain confidence in preparation for life beyond school. Our goal is to support each young person to live a good, fulfilling life, with a strong sense of Deaf identity, culture, and community.
Our Boarding Campuses are staffed by a professional and caring team, including Social Care Workers, Nurses, Catering, Cleaning, and Administration staff, all led by the Care Manager, Team Leaders, and overseen by the Head of Support Services.
Together, we provide a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment where children and young people are respected, protected, and supported to thrive academically, socially, and personally
Holy Family School for the Deaf
There is a close and supportive collaboration between the Holy Family School for the Deaf and and St Mary’s and St Joseph’s Boarding Campuses.
