Horseleap NS: where happiness and learning are prioritised
School open day, Saturday October 19
Horseleap NS is hosting an open day and coffee morning for prospective parents of children who will begin their education in 2025 and 2026, on Saturday, October 19. Parents and children are invited to visit the school, chat with staff and parents, and explore the surroundings.
Smaller rural schools play a vital role in their communities, providing education where every child is known, valued, and given the opportunity to shine. Horseleap NS fosters a supportive and progressive learning environment, helping children develop academically and socially.
Deputy principal Angelina Carey leads the junior classroom and accommodates junior and senior infants and first and second class students. The senior classroom is under the instruction of Principal Aine Groarke and includes students from third to sixth classes. Special needs assistant Therese O’Neill and special education teacher Olive Robinson provide additional support.
A benefit of Horseleap NS is smaller class sizes, which allow for individualised attention to each student’s needs.
Principal Aine Groarke said: “There is a wonderful community spirit in Horseleap. The parents are always willing to get involved and help with school events. Because we teach the pupils for a number of years, we can get to really know and understand each child. The children thrive in such an environment – we know their interests and needs and can provide lots of one-to-one support.”
The curriculum includes English, Irish, mathematics, science, geography, history, and music. Students also engage in visual arts, drama, physical education, social, personal and health education, and religious studies.
The PE programme is diverse, offering athletics, dance, gymnastics, games, swimming, and outdoor adventure activities. Students enjoy a large playground on the school grounds and access to a local football field.
Horseleap NS is also part of the Digital Schools of Distinction Scheme, which promotes and recognises the use of technology in education. From Junior Infants onwards, pupils are introduced to technology, helping them become confident and competent.
Parent Lorraine Mooney says: “Horseleap NS is an exceptional place where students are treated like family. The school is known for its strong commitment to ensuring a safe environment, free from bullying, where every child’s opinion is valued and respected.
"They stay up to date with the latest curriculum, ensuring students receive the best education possible. As a former student, I can say that the values instilled at Horseleap NS, such as respect, kindness, and community, have stayed with me throughout my life.”
In 2023, the school was honoured to receive the special Cineáltas Flag during Anti-bullying Week in recognition of its efforts to promote kindness in the school community.
The school participates in the Green Flag Programme, which encourages pupils to become more active and engaged in environmental sustainability. It has been awarded six flags – for Energy, Litter and Waste, Water, Travel, and Biodiversity – and this year, the school is working towards achieving a third Active Flag.
Horseleap NS is currently participating in a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM) project with Athlone Education Centre.
Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and Peter Burke is a great supporter of the school: “Horseleap NS is an asset to the community and its facilities, such as the new playground constructed in 2022, as well as a sensory garden and climbing wall, rival most schools across rural Ireland.
The school has a strong grasp of core subjects and is also forward-thinking in terms of modern practices – and it has ambitious art projects and green initiatives at the forefront of its teaching.
“I believe Horseleap NS is vital to the area, greater Westmeath, and keeping our rural communities vibrant and alive. I encourage anyone with young children to attend the open day on October 19 to see the facilities for themselves.”
Depending on numbers and availability, an after-school service, including collection, is available from childcare provider Child’s Play in Kilbeggan. Child’s Play runs across two facilities, catering to children of all ages and developmental stages.
Junior after-school children receive a hot dinner from a specialist caterer, and senior after-school attendees have their own kitchen, where they can prepare food and clean up after meals, learning important life skills.
All children, including those with different educational needs, are supported in their homework. Proprietor Carole McGuinness is a registered teacher and behaviour analyst, with many years of experience supporting and guiding children and young adults in their social and emotional development.