Lifelong Learning Project - School Inclusion - Preventing Early School Leaving

Identifying good practise in relation to the support needs of students in centres for education and training, with reference also to the needs of staff and support service practitioners

Mary Gordon

Youthreach

Ireland 2007

Report

English

English

The report outlines a consultative process with stakeholders of Youthreach,
senior Traveller Training and Community Training Centres. It distinguishes
practices that can contribute significantly to effective provision for learners and
to appropriate support for staff.

The research identifies the structural systems underpinning good support service practice generally and a number of effective methodologies for responding to student needs - with particular reference to educational development, personal development and practical factors. The report describes these findings and outlines a set of guidelines for good quality practice in the future.

The author conducted a survey of the guidance, counselling and psychological services being provided in the three programmes. Stakeholders were asked both to describe and to evaluate current provision. This was followed by a series of consultative regional meetings, which explored the needs of the students, the successful practices and resources in the centres and other helpful practises. In consideration of these last factors, the needs of staff and support service practitioners were identified.

The practices are separated into actions in relation i) to students, ii) to teaching staff and iii) to support practitioners and many can be implemented by centres without any additional resources

The recruitment guidelines for the particular centres are to be unemployed, aged 15-20 and have no or incomplete qualifications from Junior Cycle.
The research findings are well integrated into the body of the report

www.youthreach.ie/webwheel/reports/Reports.htm

Ann Caulfield

Mayo Education Centre

Researcher