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Education Policy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 April 2021

Wednesday, 28 April 2021

Questions (571, 572)

Cathal Berry

Question:

571. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Minister for Education her plans to pilot workshops on well-being and resilience including trauma in order to inform approaches for school leaders in primary and post-primary schools; the way in which schools will be selected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21717/21]

View answer

Cathal Berry

Question:

572. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Minister for Education if schools with additional educational needs will be included in pilot workshops on well-being and resilience including trauma; the way in which schools will be selected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21718/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 571 and 572 together.

The National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) service of my Department is developing a range of workshops on the promotion of wellbeing and resilience in schools which includes trauma informed approaches.  The approaches outlined in the workshops are based on research findings, on the experience of experts in their fields and on the experience of practicing psychologists working in schools. The focus of the workshops is on exploring and understanding the sources and impact of stress on children and young people including attachment, trauma and adverse experiences. The emphasis in the workshops will be on creating environments to reduce stress and on developing skills all children and young people need to better manage in school. The training will also cover the influences of stress on school staff and how to best to manage this. It is intended that staff will find the content useful in supporting their own wellbeing.

The workshops will be available to build the capability of school staff in both primary and post-primary settings. The workshops are for all staff and all students including those with SEN or those children impacted by trauma and adverse experiences.

Work is underway to identify schools for inclusion in a pilot of the workshops while being cognisance of prioritising teacher contact time in schools.  In selecting schools, a mix of DEIS, non DEIS and urban and rural schools will be included.

Following the pilot a national roll-out is planned during the next academic year.

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