1. Donard School Banbridge A Bridge to Learning

2. Context Donard caters for 59 pupils aged 3-19 years with SLD/PMLD There are currently 8 teachers and 17 classroom assistants I was appointed Principal in September 2007 Post 14/ Leavers programme provides for; 9 pupils with SLD 5 pupils with PMLD Programme offered includes: New Horizons Programme (ASDAN) Princes Trust XL (ASDAN) New Hops Employability (Appleby Trust) NEXUS-Personal Development Programme OCR Accreditation for Life and Living OCR National Skills Profile Work Coaching (Appleby Trust) School Links

3. Donard School became involved within the Area Learning Community in September 2007 BALC is a small community of 7 schools (3 in a rural environment) Historically good working relationships existed between between all schools and FE (Banbridge Post Primary Principal Association) BALC enjoys effective and progressive collaboration and 5/7schools are providing 24 subjects at KS4. The focus for development has moved to Post 16 provision. BALC is fully committed to providing and enhancing provision for pupils with SEN across the community. ALC is open to support and work with Donard School. It values the role of the special school Banbridge High School and St Patrick’s College both have Learning Support Centres for MLD pupils and the Area learning Community saw the value in evaluating provision for these pupils and all pupils with SEN. (SENCO Forum) Banbridge Area Learning Community

4. SENCO Forum- Common concerns Pupil population landscape has changed in Post Primary Schools (SENDO-parental choice) Need to match KS4 provision to pupil needs as opposed to matching pupils to available provision Life skill based provision Social Skills development LSC teachers felt there was a need for more pupil choice at Year 11 for pupils with MLD. SENCOs felt isolated in their role and welcomed collaboration and increased choice for all pupils with SEN. There was a recognition that there was value in collaboration with a Special School. Need for sharing of expertise and resources

5. SENCO Forum- Achievements Development of a Creative Craft Course – Donard School/St Patrick’s College 2009/2010 Taster Session for SEN pupils at SRC Planning underway for the provision of a second course with St Patrick’s and Banbridge High School 2010/2011. Interactive Careers Day (SELB) Sharing of expertise in planning for pupils. Greater understanding of provision across the community by SENCOs QUB- Sharing Education Partnership Enrichment Links for pupils

6. Challenges ahead Continue to work in defining the role of the Special School within the ALC. Time Further development of SENCO forum- increase concrete collaboration building of trust breaking down barriers Recognition of all programmes within EF Audit DE to recognise an ‘Entitlement’ for SEN pupils