1. NORTH DOWN AND ARDS AREA LEARNING COMMUNITY
KILLARD HOUSE SCHOOL
NORTH DOWN AND ARDS AREA LEARNING COMMUNITY

2. NORTH DOWN AND ARDS AREA LEARNING COMMUNITY
13 MAINSTREAM POST PRIMARY SCHOOLS
3 SPECIAL SCHOOLS
1 REGIONAL COLLEGE COLLEGE

3. Vocational Educational Programme
Part of a consortium
Offers controlled by college
Choice limited
Social interactions with mainstream peers difficult
High absence rate in certain options

4. Evidence based approach
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

5. Changed relationships
Entitlement Framework
Mechanism for funding changed
College was now an active member of the Area Learning Community

6. Outcome 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

7. Role within the ALC
‘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)

8. Questions ?
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?

9. Evidence based approach
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

10. Outcomes (early)
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

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