The provision for students learning at Glenealy School is within the context of the ESF’s Inclusion Policy. The diverse learning needs of all children is carefully planned for using a multi-tired system of support by class teachers and the Learning Diversity Team. This support may take place in the classroom through additional differentiation, in small groups or individual sessions. Additionally, students may receive short-term intensive programmes from the Learning Diversity Team. Specialist interventions, such as Speech and Language, Occupational Therapy and Counselling may also be accessed in school.

Glenealy School has a Learning Diversity Team dedicated to supporting students, educators and parents.

When students are experiencing difficulties at home or in school their learning and behaviour can be adversely affected. A student may present with anxiety, have some short term friendship or social challenges, lack confidence, experience low self-esteem, present with some unexpected behaviour, or have difficulty managing or regulating their emotions.

By providing emotional support, enabling students to explore their feelings, and by providing them with strategies and tools to help them move forward, a student can feel better about themselves, build their self-confidence and be more successful in school.

ELSA

ELSAs are Educational Assistants who have undergone the ESF ELSA training. They work with students usually one to one, once per week. They set goals with the students focusing on what they would like to improve. Students who lack self-confidence, have difficulties making friends, who are showing anxiety or seem unhappy, might benefit from working with an ELSA. Students who would not cope with a group approach, could work on the emotional support programme individually with an ELSA.

The Learning Diversity Manager can support families who are seeking additional specialist professional support outside school or even counselling sessions at school.

At Glenealy School an Individual Educational Plans and Student Support Plans will be written for some students in close collaboration with the student, classroom teacher, the parents and any involved specialists. These documents highlight the students strengths, stretches, interests, strategies and tools that help them to be the best that they can be. These documents are regularly reviewed with the students and all stakeholders. 

• Educational Psychologist

ESF provides Educational Psychology services to the school which are delivered in agreement with the Learning Diversity Leader. There is no additional cost to parents. The Learning Diversity Leader can also support families who are seeking Educational Psychology services outside the ESF provision.

• Occupational Therapy and Speech & Language Therapy

The school has dedicated spaces where occupational therapy and speech and language therapy can take place. These therapies are available at a reduced cost to parents. There is close liaison between school staff and the therapists, including review meetings three times per year attended jointly by parents, therapists, class teachers and educational assistants. In order to develop their own knowledge and understanding of diverse learning needs. Staff can attend a therapy session with students in order to observe strategies and techniques used by the therapist which can then be carried over into class. Parents also can attend therapy sessions.

• Counselling

Counselling takes place in school usually once per week at a reduced cost to parents. The counsellor will liaise with parents and school staff to gain a full understanding of the student’s needs.

Parents enter a private agreement with these additional specialist professionals who are not members of the Glenealy staff and are liable for the fees for their services. There is no expectation or obligation for parents to choose the additional specialist professionals who work in school.