NORTH DOWN AND ARDS AREA LEARNING COMMUNITY

13 MAINSTREAM POST PRIMARY SCHOOLS

3 SPECIAL SCHOOLS

1 REGIONAL COLLEGE COLLEGE

•Part of a consortium

•Offers controlled by college

•Choice limited

•Social interactions with mainstream peers difficult

•High absence rate in certain options

Teacher-researcher to track three cohorts of leavers -41 young people in total

Interviewed the young people, parents, and representatives from training providers

Compiled a list of issues to be addressed to enhance experiences in training

Entitlement Framework

Mechanism for funding changed

College was now an active member of the Area Learning Community

Dedicated courses designed specifically for our students

Closer relationship with college lecturers resulting in increased understanding of our students

Improved system for supporting pupils

Improved attendance and outcomes at Entry Level

‘The vision is for our post primary education system to be more integrated, accessible, relevant, responsive and accountable in its provision of high quality opportunities for our pupils’(NDALC)

‘opportunities should be taken for two-way exchanges of expertise, teaching and support staff and, where appropriate, of pupils between mainstream and special schools in a given locality as part of collaborative arrangements...’(The Future Role of the Special School 2006)

Was there a role for us in contributing to the support of all learners with Special Educational Needs within the North Down Ards Area Learning Community?

Were they able to cope with such pupils within their schools and did not need us?

How did we begin to engage with them in a meaningful way?

Teacher-researcher released

Meeting with the SENCO and other staff in the member schools

Ascertaining the scale of SEN in the schools and the number of such students doing external accreditation

The mechanism for such pupils to access post school training organisations

The support that SENCOs feel they need in working with the pupils

Schools need support in better understanding and managing the impact of the students special needs on the students ability to engage effectively with learning

Initially a consultancy service

Explore dual placements

Transfer for final 2 years

The Area Learning Community now provides a forum for the final report and will enhance the opportunity for useful and meaningful relationships