School leaders face immense pressure to deliver equitable education while managing complex special educational needs with limited resources.
This episode explores practical strategies for building inclusive school communities, developing needs-responsive educational practices, and fostering collaborative networks among educators.
IPPN’s new podcast host Alan Sheehan is joined by Helena Trench, founding principal of Powerstown Educate Together National School, to discuss her experiences and actionable approaches to inclusive school leadership.
Dr Alan Sheehan
Alan was the founding principal of Douglas Rochestown Educate Together NS (DRETNS) in Cork. The school has grown from 20 children and 2 teachers to over 500 pupils and 58 staff since it opened in 2013.
Alan was seconded to the Leadership Division of Oide from January 2025 to June 2026 where he was a member of the design teams for the Forbairt programme and for the professional learning day for Leading Curriculum Enactment.
He has facilitated professional learning for school leaders on the Misneach, Tánaiste, Forbairt and Comhar programmes as well as bespoke school support visits.
Alan served as a member of IPPN National Council for Cork City on the Advocacy and Communications Committee, as well as being a member of the Cork IPPN Committee.
Alan has an MEd in the area of curriculum, a PGD in SEN and a PhD in assessment. He is currently completing a PGD in Coaching in Education.
He was appointed to IPPN as Director of Member Supports & Services in September 2026.
THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT
- Starting a new school from scratch
- Child-centered education and early teaching experiences
- Developing special education and nurture rooms
- Collaborative approaches to admissions in Dublin 15
- Mentoring and supporting newly appointed principals
GUEST DETAILS
Helena Trench is the founding principal of Powerstown Educate Together National School in Dublin 15. Since opening in 2011, she has led its growth from a start-up into a diverse community of 381 pupils, 16 mainstream classes, 10 special classes, and 79 staff. She is a passionate advocate for equality-based education and needs-led approaches. Alongside her leadership, she contributes to national conversations on inclusive education and undertakes doctoral research on the educational equity of autistic pupils.
MORE INFORMATION
IPPN is the officially recognised, professional network for leaders of Irish primary schools. It is an
independent, not-for-profit, voluntary association, with a local, regional and national presence.
It provides practical resources, professional learning, and peer support to strengthen leadership capacity and sustainability. IPPN also advocates on behalf of school leaders, ensuring their perspectives influence education policy and practice.
Learn more about IPPN and our work at ippn.ie
Our podcast is produced by dustpod.io
QUOTES
- So I think it's really, really important that us as educators and as school leaders look at children in front of us. - Helena Trench
- Our job is to try to support children, go to appointments, but also get the therapists to come to schools to support the children. - Helena Trench
- We have to be open-minded and learn from the people around us. - Helena Trench
KEYWORDS:
#InclusiveSchoolLeadership #SpecialEducationProvision #PrimarySchoolManagement #SchoolStartupJourney
What is Leading for Impact with IPPN?
Leading for Impact explores the experience of the practice of primary school leadership, the challenges that arise and the opportunities that present, with insights provided by expert voices from education and beyond.
We bring you conversations with school leaders who've faced the same impossible juggling acts we all know too well, plus policy makers, mental health experts, and stakeholder voices who understand the systemic pressures you face.
You’ll discover evidence-based solutions, hear how other schools have tackled similar challenges and gain fresh perspectives that help you see your own practice with new clarity.
Leading for Impact – Real conversations for real school leaders from IPPN, the network for Irish Principals and Deputy Principals.
Discover more at ippn.ie