National Learning Network

28/09/2026

One of our catering students using his barista skills to make delicious coffees for us here in NLN Waterford 👏👏👏 ☕️☕️☕️☕️

25/09/2026

What began as a weekly cooking session, a practical way for students in the Options course at NLN Portlaoise to build independent living skills, grew into one of the most vibrant learner‑driven projects of the year.

The World Cuisine Project is more than an e‑cookbook. It’s a story of teamwork, confidence, creativity, and the joy of discovering what happens when students take the lead. It also reflects the spirit of 'Think Possible', a mindset the students brought to every stage of the journey, turning a simple cooking class into a creative, learner‑led project that exceeded all expectations.

Each Thursday, the class explored a new country through food. They researched recipes, planned shopping trips, checked equipment, and even grew their own ingredients. Adam tended garlic shoots, avocados and cress with great care. Myke invented the now‑famous Options Seasoning Mix when the class realised they had no steak seasoning. The group adapted recipes when needed, switching sushi rolls to sushi balls, turning garlic shoots into pasta, and improvising when ingredients were missing. These choices weren’t just culinary decisions; they were moments of problem‑solving, collaboration, and learner agency, a natural expression of Universal Design for Learning in action.

The project became a showcase of individual strengths. Josh took responsibility for typing and formatting recipes. Katie wrote the introduction that welcomes readers into the cookbook. Martin designed the entire e‑cookbook, bringing together photos, layout and colour. Jasmine curated a photo display documenting the group’s progress. Quentin led a fairy bread workshop during the final presentation. Adam grew ingredients and presented the gardening process to guests. Their reflections throughout the cookbook show pride, humour and honesty from “Grating the potatoes was weird, but in a fun way” to “It is nice to invent something original.”

Cooking together became a safe, structured way to practise communication, teamwork and community participation. The class took bus trips to the library and supermarket, learned to divide tasks, and supported one another in the kitchen. For autistic learners, these experiences helped build confidence and independence in a natural, enjoyable way.
As the students wrote, “Working closely together as a team and participating in our local community helped improve our independent living skills.”

Throughout the project, students also practised negotiation and assertiveness skills; during the final presentation and the launch of the e‑cookbook, guests were able to watch short role‑play videos showcasing these skills in action.

The final product is a colourful, learner‑designed e‑cookbook featuring eleven recipes from around the world, complete with photos, swaps, reflections and homegrown ingredients.

The closing message says it best: “We hope this e‑cookbook can offer the chance to explore some of those countries through cooking.”

The project concluded with a presentation day featuring workshops, displays and a celebration with families, students and staff. It was a moment for the students to stand proudly and say: "We made this". And they truly did: every recipe, every photo, every idea, every decision.
Check out the book here:
https://online.anyflip.com/ysibi/itfk/mobile/index.html
National Learning Network Portlaoise

24/09/2026

National Learning Network was named the winner of the Excellence in Sustainability category at The Education Awards 2026, recognising our commitment to delivering sustainability with social impact ♻️

The fantastic achievement was recently included in this The Irish Times article, detailing the quality and scale of the sector and the impact of lifelong learning.

Read here 📰 https://www.irishtimes.com/advertising-feature/2026/07/22/ulster-university-named-overall-excellence-winner-at-the-education-awards-2026/

24/09/2026

Students from NLN Navan's Access course recently took part in the innovative 'Leave no Trace' programme with Meath Partnership and Ramor Watersports Club.

NLN Instructor Georgina Kellehan gave us this account of the experience:

"Through this programme, I liaised with Helen from Meath Partnership to help our students learn about responsible outdoor ethics, caring for our environment, and ways to minimise our impact on our environment.

As part of the experience, we explored the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace through hands-on activities at Deerpark Forest in Virginia, followed by a fantastic boat trip on Lough Ramor, with the support of RWC Ramor Watersports Club. 🌳🛶

It was a brilliant opportunity for our students to learn outside the classroom, develop their awareness of environmental responsibility, and enjoy some great experiences together.

A huge thank you to Helen from Meath Partnership for organising this trip and RWC Ramor Watersports Club for their time, support and for helping make the experience so enjoyable and memorable for our students.
They had a fantastic time! 🌿👏"

22/09/2026

Catering and Hospitality QQI Level 4 Now enrolling

11/09/2026

Enrolling now , give us a call, or pop in to see us

11/09/2026

03/09/2026

We are very proud to be a member of DATTN - Digital Assistive Technology Training Network, with inspirational contributions from many of our NLN colleagues and students.

The next webinar in the DATTN series is entitled Assistive Technology for Education.

Taking place on 10th September 2026, from 11:00 – 12:00.
Please register by emailing [email protected] or by clicking this link: 6d781f9e-9198-4e61-8214-553664f71302@5e70b29f-d5ea-45af-8a0d-9d8f596877be" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/6d781f9e-9198-4e61-8214-553664f71302@5e70b29f-d5ea-45af-8a0d-9d8f596877be

This engaging webinar will explore how Digital Assistive Technology (DAT) can support education, learning and student success. You’ll discover practical accessibility features in Windows and Microsoft 365, and learn how innovative tools, including simulation technology, can help students develop skills and learn more independently.

The webinar is ideal for students, educators, families and support professionals.

We hope to see you there, and please share widely!


Rehab Group Enable Ireland Muiriosa Foundation St Michaels House Multiple Sclerosis Ireland Acquired Brain Injury Ireland Sunbeam House Services Independent Living Movement Ireland Corlann Ireland The Wheel Vision Ireland Enable Ireland Saint John of God Community Services Parkinson's Ireland

01/09/2026

Collaborating for impact 💡 ✅

We were delighted to welcome representatives from SOLAS to NLN College East recently.

It was a highly productive, busy and positive meeting with discussions ranging from the development of future-ready knowledge and skills in Specialist Training Provision, to quality, sustainability, and innovation in inclusive education.

In attendance was Deirdre McDonnell, CEO of SOLAS, as well as Alan McGrath, SOLAS Director of System Performance, and Roisin Doherty, SOLAS Director of Adult Literacy for Life and Learner Support.

On hand to welcome our visitors and to showcase our work, was our CEO, Laura Keane, alongside Dr. Rita Day, Director of NLN, Patrisha Greaney, Head of Operations, and Anne Marie McDonnell, Head of Programme and Service Design and Development.

Claire Curley, NLN Area Manager, provided the group with a tour of College East. SOLAS representatives had an opportunity to meet many of the staff and students, and see first-hand the impact of NLN’s inclusive training environment for students with disabilities and additional support needs.

01/09/2026

Catering and Hospitality QQI Level 4

26/08/2026

Leaving school without qualifications can leave many people wondering what comes next. For one NLN student in Edgeworthstown, it became the starting point of a journey that led to new confidence, lasting friendships and meaningful employment.

After leaving school in third year, Paddy was unsure of his future. Knowing he enjoyed being outdoors and had an interest in gardening, he enrolled on NLN Longford's Horticulture course.

Watch Paddy's interview to find out how NLN helps people to build confidence, gain qualifications and take the next step towards employment.

25/08/2026

📻 "When I meet a past student, it's nice to see their journey from coming in the door, to getting their QQI award, to then getting work. I'm really proud of what we do... it's really rewarding" ~

NLN Park House was on the airwaves last week, discussing the unique learning environment on offer for students with disabilities, mental health issues, autism, or people with additional support needs.

Roseanna Doherty, Head of Department in our Stillorgan college, was interviewed on Dublin's 92.5 Phoenix FM, giving a great insight into how we can support students to thrive.

Check out the episode! Roseanna's interview begins at 21 minutes 30 seconds:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6SR0VIKboxLN0vv53ILdQS?si=Rug6lX-3TLiAy6plcoBr3Q

D15 Today · Episode

21/08/2026

Congratulations to all the students receiving their Leaving Certificate results today.

Remember, no CAO points are needed for any of our training courses, making NLN an ideal choice for many school leavers who might be unsure of their next step.

Send us a message, email [email protected], or check out our website to find out how we can support you: www.nln.ie

18/08/2026

Open day/evening, 27th of Aug.
Come in for a chat, a look around, see what we are all about

16/08/2026

On August 27th 2026, more than 30 National Learning Network colleges across the country will open their doors from 5pm – 7pm for our National Open Evening.

This year’s theme, g , shines a light on what meaningful employment truly represents; confidence, independence, community, purpose, and opportunity.

At NLN, we believe education is not just about qualifications.
It’s about unlocking potential and building futures.

Send us a message or email us to find out more: [email protected]

10/08/2026

“My name is Anisa, I am a student on the Access course at NLN Tallaght.
I love it. I am autistic and, with my disability, I had some issues with socialising in the past, but when I came to NLN, they helped me and I’ve made friends. I came to Ireland for safety when I was 14, from Somalia, but I can say I’m an Irish girl now.

I am part of the Youth Council for EPIC, Empowering People in Care, a rights-based organisation advocating with and for children in care and young care-leavers. I was recently asked to attend a meeting at Government buildings, with other people from EPIC. I was there as a representative for people with a disability. We spoke with Minister Norma Foley and asked her questions about education and support that can be provided to young people who may not have family in Ireland, or who are living in care. We discussed how people can be supported if they have a mental health issue or a disability, or how to receive financial support if they need it. We then met the Taoiseach Micheál Martin in the Dáil and we were delighted to speak to him too.

I was so excited, happy, and really moved to be there, to be an advocate, and for the Minister and Taoiseach to listen to our voices. I am living in care and have a lot of challenges. I don’t have family in Ireland, and I sometimes need care workers to look after me. When politicians make decisions that affect you, you need to speak out about it so they can hear our voices.

I am doing lots of advocacy work. I also recently met the Ombudsman and we worked on a game to teach children how to learn about their rights. I love advocating for young people with a disability, and especially to be a voice for some autistic people who do not speak. I want to help them to get the support they need.”

05/06/2026

Gives us a call for more information 📲📲📲

25/05/2026

Catering and Hospitality QQI Level 4 now enrolling. Remember at NLN you can start anytime of the year.