NAISR LEAP Academy | A Centre for SEN Learning Excellence

A Specialist Academy Within NAISR

The LEAP Academy (Learning Empowerment Advisory Programme) is a dedicated, specialist provision within NAISR, designed for students with additional learning needs.

LEAP operates with multiple pathways. The LEAP Academy is as a separate academy, with its own:

Learning spaces
Specialist teaching approach
Structured learning environment

At the same time, students remain part of the wider NAISR community — creating a carefully balanced model of support and inclusion.

A Structured Pathway to Inclusion

Students begin their journey in a highly supported, specialist setting, where they can build confidence, skills, and independence.

As they progress, opportunities for integration are gradually introduced, where appropriate and safe:

Break times and social interaction
Specialist lessons (e.g. sports, music, arts)
School trips and community experiences
Selected mainstream academic lessons

This phased approach ensures students are not overwhelmed, while still benefiting from being part of a broader school environment.

Clear Boundaries for the Right Environment

To protect the learning experience for all students, LEAP does not accommodate:

Severe behavioural needs
Severe ASD
Students requiring permanent 1:1 adult support
Medical, mobility, or complex care needs
Students posing a safety risk

These boundaries ensure LEAP remains a focused, calm, and effective learning environment.

Individualised Learning, Shared Outcomes

Every student follows a personalised pathway through:

A tailored Individual Learning Plan (ILP)
Outcomes agreed with:
- Parents
- Educational Psychologist
- LEAP Lead

We work collaboratively to define:

Academic progress goals
Personal development targets
Realistic next steps

A Transparent and Evolving Programme

LEAP Academy is a new and developing provision.

While we provide strong academic and learning support:

Long-term pathways (including post-16 year-old transitions) are developed on an individual basis
Outcomes will depend on each student’s progress, profile, and goals

We prioritise honesty, partnership, and realistic planning with families.

Admissions Process

To ensure the right fit, all applicants must:

Complete the NAISR admissions process
Provide a recent psychological assessment
Provide any previous or current Learning Plans, including goals.

Attend a parent consultation to align expectations and goals

Admission is based on whether we can effectively meet the student’s needs within our model. Provisional acceptance based on full disclosure and frequent connections / communications and collaboration with parents and staff.

Our Dual Excellence Promise

A dedicated SEN environment designed for success
Access to the wider NAISR experience, when appropriate
High expectations, adapted — not lowered

Why LEAP at NAISR?

Because your child needs more than support — they need the right environment to succeed.

Specialist teaching in a dedicated setting
Gradual, supported access to a wider school community
High standards, delivered differently

LEAP Academy Fees

What is included?

LEAP Academy is a specialist provision designed to offer highly personalised support for students with additional learning needs. Due to the intensive, individualised nature of this programme, fees are in addition to standard NAISR tuition. Each student’s pathway within LEAP is carefully tailored, meaning costs will vary depending on the level of support required.

All LEAP students benefit from:

- A personalised Individual Learning Plan (ILP)
- Ongoing progress monitoring and review
- Regular parent meetings and consultations
- Specialist teaching within a structured, supportive environment

This includes significant planning, coordination, and communication time to ensure each student’s programme is both effective and responsive.

Personalised Pathways

To provide clarity, LEAP Academy operates within two general support levels:

- Pathway 1: approximately €6,000 per year
- Pathway 2: approximately €8,000 – €10,000 per year, depending on the intensity of provision required

Final fees are determined following the admissions process and review of each student’s profile.

Specialist Support (Charged Individually)

Where appropriate, we engage external specialists to support each child’s development, including:

- Speech & Language Therapists
- Occupational Therapists
- Educational Psychologists

These services are commissioned based on individual need and are charged separately to parents on a case-by-case basis.

A Personalised Investment

At our LEAP Academy, we do not offer a one-size-fits-all model. Each student’s pathway is designed to reflect their individual strengths, needs, and goals, ensuring they receive the right level of support to make meaningful progress. We are committed to working closely with families to ensure clarity, transparency, and shared expectations throughout the journey.

A Centre for SEN Learning Excellence