Education Minister sees firsthand Little Oaks EOTAS big impact

During the visit, the Minister met pupils, parents, staff, primary school principals and supporting professionals from WHSCT to see first-hand the significant impact the integrated service is having on some of the most vulnerable young people in the area.

Little Oaks EOTAS plays a key role within the Local IMPACT Team model, delivering outstanding outcomes for children and young people enrolled in mainstream primary schools whose Social, Behavioural, Emotional and Wellbeing (SBEW) needs require specialist, multi-specialist support.

The provision currently delivers 13 EOTAS Partnership Placements (extended Pathway 3) as part of the Local IMPACT Team continuum of support and has supported 173 individual pupils through Pathways 1, 2 and 3 of the Local IMPACT Team models.

In addition, a further 74 pupils have benefited from 10 group-based intervention programmes delivered directly in mainstream primary schools.

Together, these supports demonstrate the strength of the Local IMPACT Team model in providing flexible, needs-led intervention, enabling children and young people to remain in education, participate fully in their school communities and achieve improved outcomes.

Education Minister, Paul Givan said: 

"It is a privilege to be here to meet with the children benefiting from the expertise and dedication of the staff at Little Oaks EOTAS. 

“My department is committed to providing an education to all children and young people; EOTAS plays a critical role in ensuring that this is the case for some of our most vulnerable pupils who, for a range of reasons, are unable to access education in a mainstream setting. 

“EOTAS settings such as Little Oaks have the potential to transform a child’s future, by supporting them to make positive next steps through a focus on meeting the individual needs of each child.”

Kevin Holly, Headteacher of Little Oaks EOTAS, added: 

"Every child we support deserves to feel safe, valued, supported and capable of achieving great things. The dedication of our staff, alongside the strength of our partnerships with mainstream primary schools and supporting agencies, means we are providing the right support, at the right time for our pupils, their families and mainstream schools so they can achieve their true potential.”

“I am so very proud of our team’s commitment, child-centred practice and steadfast unconditional positive regard for all our pupils. We remain committed to making sure every child thrives within their school community.”