Tel: 053 9421000 ext 235
The School Completion Programme was introduced in 2002. There are currently five such programmes operational in Co. Wexford. The School Completion Programme focuses on young people aged between 4 and 18 years. The programme forms part of the Dept. of Education & Skills Social Inclusion Strategy (DEIS) to help children and young people who are at risk of or who are experiencing educational disadvantage. The programme generally includes the following elements:
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Identifying and supporting children at risk of not reaching their potential in the education system because of poor attendance.
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Encouraging participation and retention via initiatives such as breakfast clubs, homework clubs, afterschool supports, mentoring programmes and therapeutic interventions.
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Ensuring that schools have in place the appropriate procedures to monitor identify and respond to attendance, participation and retention issues.
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Implementation of transfer programmes to support young people transitioning from primary to post-primary school.
Target Age Group 4-18 years
Referrals Referrals are accepted from school Principals, Vice Principals, Home School Liaison Officers, Guidance Counsellors, Education Welfare Officers, Parents (via attendance tracking) and outside voluntary and statutory agencies for schools in the cluster.
Eligibility Criteria Inclusion in the programme is based on an agreed set of criteria and relevant stakeholders use a formal procedure to refer young people at risk of early school leaving. Criteria used in the identification of young people at risk of early school leaving include;
- Poor attendance record
- Suspension / expulsion
- School refusal
- Health issues / mental health
- Non attendance due to various reasons i.e. bereavement/separation/ bullying/relocation
- Teen pregnancy
- Member of a minority group
- Poor educational attainment / difficulty with literacy / numeracy
- Family circumstances and or lack of family support
- Social deprivation
- Behavioural issues / emotional problems
- Family history of early school leaving
Contact Person: Amy Goodison (Co-ordinator)
9am-5pm Monday to Friday