Meet The Hive Education Team

Aodhnait Flynn

B.Ed. (University of Wales, Bangor), PG Dip SEN (UCC), M.Ed. (UCC)

Education Consultant and Founder

Hive Education was founded in 2021 by Aodhnait Flynn. Having over 20 years experience teaching in Ireland and abroad, Aodhnait saw first-hand the ties between academic and emotional wellbeing. However; over the years in her role as a Special Education Teacher in mainstream schools, Aodhnait became ever more aware of the increasing number of children presenting with anxiety related issues and the lack of resources and training available to teachers in order to respond to those needs. Lack of initial teacher training in the area of and funding for emotional needs, a traditional emphasis on academic achievement, long waiting lists for external agencies and lack of Department of Education buy-in resulted in many families being unable to access support for their children in their schools. Academic support without emotional support nor emotional support without academic support can make for a holistic approach to teaching.

Aodhnait made it her mission to offer greater support to those families, most in need. Further research and training was a must! Research came in the form of a Postgraduate Diploma in SEN and a Master’s Degree in Education, both specialising in the area of wellbeing. While experience came with training as a Creative Mindfulness Practitioner. It was with a combination of research and experience that Aodhnait began introducing a more balanced approach to education in her school settings, began consulting to other schools and started small group mindfulness sessions privately. It was in 2021, when she had built up a programme, resources, completed business mentoring, secured the premises and recruited the ‘A’ Team, that Hive Education was ‘born’. Hive stands for Holistic, Inspiring, Versatile and Engaging.

In the heart of Grattan Square in Dungarvan, Aodhnait’s goal of offering a friendly, inviting, inclusive and creative environment came into being. Every child deserves and is given a chance to reach their full potential in this safe and inspiring space. Children who struggle academically soon build their confidence when encouraged to shine in their area of interest; whether in drama, sport, gaming or farming etc. When children achieve success they become happier and more motivated in their learning. Likewise for children who struggle with their emotions, self-regulation and resilience; when they learn to recognise their feelings and develop strategies to share, manage and cope with them before becoming overwhelmed, they are more likely to have the energy and focus to learn. Enabling children to bridge the gap between their academic and emotional wellbeing sees positive results all round; for children their families, friendships and schools.

Following parent and teacher surveys across the country, it became apparent that families, care givers and educationists required and wanted further training in the area of wellbeing, so in 2022 Hive Education Online was founded. The aim of online training and supports is to provide other individuals the knowledge and skills necessary in order to promote positive academic and emotional wellbeing.

Hive Education, every child is special, deserves to be heard, is encouraged to shine, is respected and celebrated.  Aodhnait and the ‘A’ Team will continue to strive for Hive Education to be a special place for all who attend.