OUR
Activities & Programmes
BEST supports targeted children (and their families) across eight schools in the Ballymun area with the following services under the National School COmpletion Programme (under Tusla Education Support Service – TESS)
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- Targeted intervention to children and young people with significant support needs who have been identified through the SCP intake framework.
- Highly targeted intervention to Out of School young people and their families with complex needs.
- Evidence based informed intervention at a universal level to the whole class/whole school group.
In addition to these core services we also offer Therapeutic Services, using Creative Psychotherapy, to children and young people from Ballymun, who have experience of trauma and adversity. This programme is currently funded through the Late Late Toy Show Appeal.
Our Activities and Programmes
One to One Targeted Supports
BEST provides intensive, targeted supports to children and young people in primary and post primary settings with a focus on 5th class – 3rd year at risk students together with additional students outside of this range, at primary level, who meet the EWO/SCP referral criteria or who present with complex needs. This work includes;
- Personal/social development work through group work/ one to one (individual plans) including transfer work
- Minimum twice weekly sessions with priority target group/additional unscheduled contact as required over the academic year
Out of School Support
BEST continues to see the young people in the out of school category as possessing a complexity of needs that requires a flexible and potentially multi-pronged response that can include one or a combination of the below interventions:
- Personal/ social development work
- Support with transitions; from school to out of school, and possible re-engagement with school placement, or transfer to alternative education setting
- The delivery of Iscoil if identified as appropriate support for young person’s needs
- Home visits/ engagement with parent to support meeting young person’s needs
- Interagency work to support engagement and transfer as appropriate
Therapeutic Services
BEST supports engaged children, through a multi-disciplinary approach, with the BEST project worker regularly liaising with the BEST therapist to support the referred young person and their family. The BEST project worker is in the unique position of having the relationship with the young person and family and can support the referral and ongoing engagement to the BEST therapy services.
Referrals received through the Interagency pathway require collaboration with a relevant key worker from the referral agency throughout the therapy process.
At all stages the needs of the young people we work with are at the centre of the work that we do and the supports that are offered to them, in BEST and / or alternative settings.
See our Therapeutic Service brief.
Putting the Pieces Together
PTPT is an evidence based awareness and prevention programme, aimed at older primary level (5th / 6th class).
BEST team members are experienced facilitators of this programme.
See our info sheet.
Creative Mindfulness
BEST team members are trained to deliver The Mindful Heart Curriculum to children and young people of all ages.
The programme is delivered over 6 weeks in a class based / other setting.
Teachers and parents workshops can also be made available.
BEST Project Team have been trained here;
Creative Mindfulness.
See our introduction to the Creative Mindulness programme.
Transfer and Transition Programmes
Supporting our 6th class students to prepare for the move to post primary setting, with follow up supports in place in 1st year.
This transition from Primary to Secondary school can be a stressful time for many students. Having additional supports in place can be valuable to reducing the stress and anxiety experienced.