In-school /After-school Supports

Objective:

To assist in providing a coordinated strategy and support to schools and communities linked to the Delivering Equality of Opportunity In Schools (DEIS) programmes, and to other designated schools where required.
Supporting Designated Schools in SSP area - primarily those within School Completion Programme (DEIS) ; including therapeutic supports, Restorative Practices Training for teachers and Guardians, and other initiatives to support the most at risk students.

• Participation on the 4 (DEIS) School Completion programmes in SSP area, through the established committees, and relevant sub-committees.
• Musical Journeys Initiative: SSP to support 2 workshops for designated primary and secondary schools exploring world cultures and intercultural understanding through music.
• Restorative Practices: to run a one day conference in April '08 for the schools and non-formal providers who have participated in the restorative training funded through SSP to date; to build a RP Network and to identify next steps towards a coordinated RP strategy for the area.
• Identify the needs of disadvantaged children in designated schools whose needs are not being met through existing supports, and work with the schools to provide programmes and initiatives needed.
• Therapeutic Supports: anticipating approval of DAF funding to pilot a Speech and Language programme (as outlined in 2007 POA). This is a 6 month pilot, working with children, their parents, pre-school leaders, and teachers, within pre-school and school settings.
• Play therapy has been requested for a small number of pupils in some of our designated primary schools. We are working to link with a voluntary counselling service to provide this service.
• Access Supports: to work with Guidance/Access Task Group and other Task groups in identifying targeted supports to assist students to attain higher levels of achievements within the SSP designated schools/colleges.
• To pilot a Personal Development Transition Programme with 6th class children from 2 designated schools, and evaluate programme in 2008.
• To support After-School Community Initiatives where required within SSP areas.
  and other training programmes.