Testimonials/FAQ

"All teachers are so dedicated and caring. They are kind and patient giving each child time to grow at their own speed.

A much gentler approach to raise children than putting them in a prescribed form. The teachers and parents both share these values creating a lovely sense of community. "

Natalie /parent

Cuan na Gaillimhe CNS – A Steiner Education FAQ

1.What is Steiner education?

Steiner education, also known as Waldorf education, is a holistic approach that nurtures the intellectual, emotional, and practical development of each child. It recognises that learning is not just about acquiring knowledge but about cultivating curiosity, imagination, and a lifelong love of discovery. Rooted in the principles of Rudolf Steiner, this approach emphasises creativity, rhythm, play, and a deep connection to nature and community.

It supports children in becoming balanced, confident, and compassionate human beings.

2. How does Cuan na Gaillimhe CNS differ from mainstream schools?

Cuan na Gaillimhe CNS is a Community National School under the GRETB, recognised by the Department of Education.

What makes us unique is how we teach:
We deliver the full national curriculum through the Steiner methodology, blending academic learning with creativity, movement, and practical experiences.
Lessons are brought to life through storytelling, art, music, drama, and crafts rather than rote memorisation.
We prioritise emotional wellbeing, imagination, and a genuine love of learning over early testing or competition. Children are encouraged to grow at their own pace in a nurturing and joyful environment.

3. Is the school recognised by the Department of Education?

Yes. Cuan na Gaillimhe CNS operates under the recognition and regulations of the Department of Education and the GRETB. We fully meet national standards while delivering a Steiner-inspired curriculum that honours each child’s individuality and developmental needs.

4. What subjects are taught at a Steiner school?

Children study all the core subjects Gaeilge, English, mathematics, history, geography, and science through artistic, story-based, and practical experiences.
In addition, handwork, music, drama, painting, crafts, and nature studies are woven into the daily rhythm, ensuring a well-rounded and deeply engaging education. We also teach P.E, and have a number of external facilitators coming in to teach tag rugby, gymnastics, swimming, tennis and more.

5. How is reading and writing introduced in the early years?

Formal reading and writing are introduced gradually and naturally, once a child shows signs of readiness, typically around the age of six or seven. At this stage, children are often undergoing key developmental changes: their first teeth begin to fall out, their fine motor skills are more refined, and their visual focus (eye accommodation) is fully developed. These milestones indicate that they are ready to engage in the more structured aspects of literacy with confidence and joy.
Before that, children immerse themselves in oral storytelling, songs, rhymes, and imaginative play, which build strong language skills, concentration, and a love of words.
This gentle, developmentally appropriate approach helps children become confident, enthusiastic readers and writers.

6. Do students follow a standard curriculum or an alternative one?

We follow the Irish National Curriculum through a Steiner lens.
That means all national learning goals are met, but the teaching methods are creative, artistic, and tailored to each developmental stage. The emphasis is on nurturing curiosity and deep understanding rather than teaching to the test.

7. How are arts, crafts, and nature integrated into daily learning?

Art is not a separate subject, it is part of everything we do.
Children paint, draw, sing, move, and make things with their hands every day. They also spend plenty of time outdoors, exploring the natural world through gardening, nature walks, and seasonal projects. This daily rhythm helps children develop patience, focus, creativity, and a sense of wonder for the world around them.

8. How can I apply for a place at Cuan na Gaillimhe CNS?

Applications can be made via our website https://www.cngcns.com/admissions or by emailing info.cng@gretb.ie. Our admissions policy and key dates are available online, and we’re always happy to answer questions or arrange a visit.

9. Do children need prior experience in Steiner education to join?

Not at all. Many of our pupils come from a variety of educational backgrounds.
Our teachers work closely with families to ensure a smooth, supportive transition for every child, regardless of previous experience.

10. What does a typical school day look like?

Each day at Cuan na Gaillimhe CNS begins with a morning circle, where children gather for songs, verses, and movement, both in English and as Gaeilge, to create a joyful and centred start to the day.

This is followed by the main lesson, which focuses on one subject over several weeks, allowing children to explore each theme in depth and with imagination. The main lesson is complemented by practice lessons in Gaeilge, English, Maths, SESE, and P.E., reinforcing key skills through rhythm and repetition.

Afternoons are devoted to art, handwork, outdoor play, music, and practical life activities such as cooking, gardening, or visits to the forest. These experiences nourish creativity, connection, and a sense of wonder.

The daily rhythm balances focused learning with artistic expression, movement, and rest, supporting the healthy development of the whole child, head, heart, and hands.

11. How do you handle discipline and behaviour?

At Cuan na Gaillimhe CNS, every child’s safety, wellbeing, and happiness are our highest priorities. We guide children through respect, empathy, and example rather than punishment, ensuring that each pupil feels secure, understood, and valued.

Our teachers build warm, trusting relationships and create a calm, caring atmosphere where boundaries are clear, consistent, and fair. We use a range of supportive approaches, including restorative practices, pedagogical and social stories, and the NCSE RELATE Guidelines, to help children reflect, learn, and grow from their experiences.

Through this compassionate and developmentally informed approach, children learn to take responsibility for their actions, to show empathy, and to care for one another fostering genuine self-discipline, cooperation, and respect.

We believe that strong partnerships with parents are essential to every child’s success. When challenges arise, we work closely together to support understanding, resolution, and positive growth.

In all that we do, our aim is to create a school environment where every child feels safe, happy, and confident to learn and thrive.

12. Are parents encouraged to get involved in school activities?

Absolutely. Parent involvement is central to our school community.
Families often help with festivals, gardening, crafts, and classroom projects, and are invited to attend workshops or talks about Steiner education.
This shared participation builds a sense of belonging and collaboration between home and school.

13. Is there a school uniform or dress code?

We do not have a formal uniform.
We encourage simple, comfortable, and practical clothing that allows children to move freely, play outdoors, and engage in creative, often messy, activities. Each child is to have wet gear for the forest and wet days.

14. What are the lunch and snack guidelines?

We promote healthy, wholesome eating habits.
Families provide packed lunches and snacks that are free of processed foods and sugary drinks.

We are delighted to provide nutritious hot lunches for all our pupils each day. Our meals are freshly prepared and delivered by a local, family-run company, Hot Meals, which shares our commitment to quality, community, and care. Using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, they create wholesome, balanced meals that support children’s growth, concentration, and wellbeing. The menu is thoughtfully designed to appeal to young tastes while encouraging lifelong healthy eating habits. We are proud to partner with a business that values sustainability, local produce, and children’s health as much as we do.

15. How do students transition from Steiner education to secondary school?

Students from Cuan na Gaillimhe CNS transition smoothly into both mainstream and alternative secondary schools, thanks to the holistic foundation they receive in their Steiner education. Our pupils develop strong social skills, creativity, resilience, and adaptability, which allow them to thrive in new academic environments and approach learning with confidence and enthusiasm. The emphasis on independent thinking, problem-solving, and collaborative learning equips children to navigate change with ease while maintaining a love of learning.

As they progress through secondary school and into adulthood, our graduates carry with them not only academic competence but also emotional intelligence, self-discipline, and a sense of purpose.

Former students, from other Steiner inspired schools, have gone on to pursue a wide range of professions and creative careers, reflecting the diversity and flexibility of the skills they develop in Steiner education.

Our alumni are known for their curiosity, creativity, and ability to think critically, qualities that allow them to thrive in any path they choose. At Cuan na Gaillimhe CNS, we prepare children not just for exams, but for a lifetime love of learning, meaningful work, and contribution to their communities and the wider world.

16. Will my child be prepared for standardised exams later on?

Yes. While formal testing is not central to the Steiner philosophy, our approach ensures that children develop strong academic skills, emotional resilience, and independent thinking, all of which provide an excellent foundation for later assessments. By the time formal evaluations begin, our students are typically confident, curious, and capable learners, well-equipped to succeed academically.

Evidence shows that children from Steiner education perform on par with their peers in mainstream schools.

For example, their STEN scores in literacy and numeracy assessments consistently align with national averages, demonstrating that the holistic, developmentally informed methods we use do not compromise academic achievement. In fact, our pupils often demonstrate enhanced problem-solving skills, creativity, and sustained concentration, which serve them well in both standardised testing and lifelong learning.

17. Do former students go on to mainstream secondary schools or other Steiner schools?

Both. Some of our graduates continue their education within the Steiner network, while many others transition successfully to local secondary schools across Galway, as well as innovative programmes such as the ALFA Project in Clare. Regardless of the pathway they choose, our students are exceptionally well-prepared to thrive in a wide range of academic environments.

Our alumni are known for being creative thinkers, problem-solvers, and compassionate individuals. They carry with them a love of learning, adaptability, and strong social skills, which allow them to engage fully with new challenges and opportunities. Whether continuing in Steiner education, joining mainstream secondary schools, or exploring alternative educational programmes, our students consistently demonstrate curiosity, confidence, and resilience, equipping them to succeed in school and in life.