Just a reminder that we have a lot of resources from different sources shared on the ‘Supporting Students’ section of our school website. On the ‘COVID-19 Supports & Resources’ page you can find some links to useful books, stories and resources for children about COVID-19. Click the button to have a look…
Information on Supplementary Programme announced by DES
Hi Everyone,
Last night the DES announced that they are setting up an ‘In-person Supplementary Programme to Support the Education and/or Care Needs of Pupils with Complex Needs’ scheme. Participation in the programme is voluntary for families, teachers and SNAs and must be delivered in accordance with public health advice.
We are still waiting on updated guidelines from the DES but we have tried to answer some of the questions we have received so far below. More information is available on last night’s DES press release here: https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/6f91d-ministers-foley-and-madigan-welcome-agreed-plan-for-return-to-in-school-learning-for-children-with-special-educational-needs-at-primary-level/
What is the Supplementary Programme?
Parents can engage SNA’s/teachers to work in a student’s home, at evenings and weekends, outside of school hours.
An allocation of five hours per week of home-based teaching or care supports will be made available to eligible pupils. The DES has sanctioned this to happen over 4 weeks (20 hours to be divided up as suits)
This allocation is intended to supplement, and not replace, the remote teaching provided by the pupil’s school and can be provided by a teacher or SNA
How long will it last?
It can be a 4 week programme, starting any time from 11th Feb, to be finished by the end of April.
Who is eligible?
All pupils enrolled in special schools and special classes in primary schools
Pupils in mainstream schools who are accessing the highest levels of support in school at the School Support Plus/Support for a Few stage of the Continuum of Support (including pupils with Autism, Down syndrome, sensory impairments, and other disabilities.)
I am unsure if my child is eligible. How do I find out?
Check with your child’s teacher, send a Dojo message to Múinteor Maria, or a private message to our Facebook page if you want to find out if your child is eligible for this program.
I am interested in accessing this program. How do I find a teacher or SNA to work with my child?
Similar to the department’s home based summer programme, parents will engage tutors/SNAs directly in a private arrangement.
If a parent does not know any teachers or SNA’s who are available for this programme, or is having difficulty finding someone for the programme - you can contact Múinteoir Maria on Dojo. If possible, with your permission, I can try to share your contact details or put you in touch with any teachers or SNAs who are interested in participating in the program.
Kind regards,
Maria
Screen Free Learning Activities from MCA
Middletown Centre for Autism (MCA) have shared an excellent resource which is really useful for all children.
Many children and young people are using screens for learning and fun as they spend more time at home during the school closure. It can be difficult to tempt them away from the screens, but other activities are important in developing social and communication skills, motor skills and emotional regulation.
The resource created by MCA has lots of ideas that can be used to prompt children and young people to engage in other activities or to offer them choice.
'Children's School Lives' Study
Did you know that St. Ultan’s is part of the ‘Children’s School Lives’ study?
Over the next six years, the CSL team will be carrying out a national longitudinal cohort study of primary schooling in Ireland. To do this, they will be consulting with children, parents, teachers, principals, early years educators and grandparents to generate information about children’s lived experiences in school.
This information will inform curriculum development and wider educational policy.
St. Ultans is one of 189 schools taking part in this study. Have a look at this video below if you want to find out more…
Their first two annual reports are now live! Visit the CSL website to see the reports, and videos about the research https://cslstudy.ie/news/
Resources from NEPS
NEPS stands for the National Educational Psychological Service. It is a service funded by the Department of Education and Science. NEPS psychologists specialise in working with the school community.
They have created some resources for parents which are available on our website. You can find out more information here…
https://www.stultans.ie/national-educational-psychological-service
Support Services - Jan 2021
Once again, as our schools have closed and we find ourselves facing Level 5 Restrictions, many of the additional supports that families and children would usually have are difficult to access at this time.
This can cause additional stress in homes, especially at a time when we are all experiencing a lot of anxiety. Here is information about some of the services that you can access over the phone to get advice and support.
We also try to share some useful resources on our school website which might be helpful for parents of children with additional needs. You can find these on our ‘Supporting Students’ page. We will continue to add information and links to resources there…
https://www.stultans.ie/supportingstudents
In addition to some of the services below, the HSE have more information online about Mental Health Support Services during COVID-19.
Samaritans
Samaritans offer a safe place for you to talk any time you like, in your own way – about whatever’s getting to you.
They won't judge your or tell you what to do, they'll listen to you.
116 123
Crisis Text Line
Confidential messaging support service providing immediate support for anyone going through a mental health or emotional crisis – big or small. Crisis Volunteers are available 24/7 for anonymous text conversations.
Text 3TS to 50808 to start the conversation;
Available every day 24 hours a day;
Standard message rates apply.
Barnardos
Barnardos has launched a national telephone and email support service for parents in response to the challenges they are facing during the Covid-19 pandemic. This service will be staffed by Barnardos project workers who are trained professionals.
1800 910 123
Parentline
Parentline is a free, National, confidential helpline that offers parents support, information and guidance on all aspects of being a parent and any parenting issues. Sometimes all parents need is a friendly, listening ear. You are not on your own. Parentline volunteers are extensively trained in listening and counselling skills.
Monday to Thursday 10am to 9pm Fridays 10am to 4pm.
1890 927 927
Childline
Childline is open every day and is for all children and young people up to the age of 18 in Ireland.
You can contact Childline for free at any time of the day or night by calling 1800 66 66 66.
You can also contact Childline by sending a text to 50101.
Christmas Fundraiser for LauraLynn
Thank you so much to all parents, children and staff in St. Ultans who donated, entered competitions, and fundraised for our Christmas Charity this year.
We are delighted to announce that we raised a grand total of €1,545. Well done everyone!
6th Class Report on our 'Outdoor Classroom'
Check out this video made by 6th Class which gives a report on our Outdoor Classroom. We hope you enjoy.
Celebrating our Achievements in 2020
An Amazing Achievement for Rang a 5
On Tuesday 15th of December, every child in Rang a 5 took the start line for a 8 laps and 200m of Cherry Orchard Park, an incredible total distance of 5 kilometres. This was the culmination of 4 months of intensive training every Tuesday and Thursday during PE, building stamina through a range of methods from Resistance Training with our chairs, to relay races to long runs.
Not only is the completion of such a distance a remarkable physical achievement that completely belies the age of each runner, the resilience and camaraderie that was cultivated during each Tuesday and Thursday was inspiring to see.
A special mention to the parents and guardians who showed up in great numbers and added to a special day for our class.
Maith sibh go léir agus coiméad suas an aclaíocht thar an Nollaig!
Micheál
Christmas Windows Competition 2020
Classes from Junior Infants right up to sixth have been busy creating Christmas masterpieces.
There is one winner in the Junior end of the school (Junior Infants- 2nd) and another in the Senior end (3rd-6th).