Main Activities of the Organisation

The school includes a Special Elementary School, a Vocational School, a Primary School in Hospital, a Special Kindergarten and a Centre for Free Time Activities. It provides education for pupils with intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder and multiple disabilities, as well as vocational training in protected work environments.

The organisation offers extensive professional support services, including speech and language therapy, physiotherapy, multisensory Snoezelen rooms, biofeedback and animal-assisted interventions such as canistherapy. Teaching is based on inclusive, student-centred approaches using modern methodologies and elements of Montessori pedagogy.

Strengths and Expertise

The school has strong expertise in:

  • Education of pupils with multiple disabilities
  • Inclusive arts, sports and environmental activities
   • Experiential and creative learning approaches
   • Development of pupils’ social, communication and practical skills
   • Promotion of independence and active participation

Environmental education and healthy lifestyle promotion are integral parts of school life. The institution holds the “Green School” certificate and actively participates in the UNICEF “Child-Friendly School” initiative. Students regularly achieve success in regional, national and international art competitions.

A flagship inclusive activity is the annual dance event “Dancing without Borders”, bringing together up to 20 special needs schools. The school is prepared to share its methodology and practical guidelines for organising inclusive artistic events with partner institutions.

Experience in European Cooperation

The school has solid experience in national and international projects, including Erasmus+. Previous activities have included staff and pupil mobility, job shadowing, professional training and exchange of good practices. Through international cooperation, staff have strengthened competences in inclusive pedagogy, adapted teaching strategies, early childhood development and bullying prevention.

International collaboration has significantly enhanced the school’s capacity to address diversity, promote equality and integrate innovative approaches into everyday practice.

Role in the United Schools Project

Within the United Schools partnership, the Associated School in Piešťany contributes its expertise in:

   • Special needs education and inclusive methodologies
   • Inclusive arts and physical activities
   • Environmental education and sustainability practices
   • Sharing innovative approaches and good practice
   • Active participation in project activities, mobilities and dissemination