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This section of the pallet provides a variety of support services/groups within our local area that may be beneficial to some of us within our school community. Feel free to read more below!

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This section of the pallet provides a variety of support services/groups within our local area that may be beneficial to some of us within our school community. Feel free to read more below!

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Throughout our school environment, we know that there are many of us who may be dealing with trauma, both during childhood or as adults. Within this section there is a variety of support available for parents and pupils who have been impacted by trauma.

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Throughout our school environment, we know that there are many of us who may be dealing with trauma, both during childhood or as adults. Within this section there is a variety of support available for parents and pupils who have been impacted by trauma.

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This section includes a variety of information to support newcomer families within our community. Including support groups, guidance and policies we follow within our school to support newcomer children along with the Health and social care website and how to use it to find support for you as an individual  

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This section includes a variety of information to support newcomer families within our community. Including support groups, guidance and policies we follow within our school to support newcomer children along with the Health and social care website and how to use it to find support for you as an individual  

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Within this section of our pallet, you will be able to find a variety of resources available within our local area for those who require SEN support.  Including local after-school clubs, specialists who are here to help and advice on how to receive extra support within the school community. Simply click on each tile to find out more!

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Within this section of our pallet, you will be able to find a variety of resources available within our local area for those who require SEN support.  Including local after-school clubs, specialists who are here to help and advice on how to receive extra support within the school community. Simply click on each tile to find out more!

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At our Primary school we support young children aged 4-11 throughout their development and learning experiences both inside the setting and throughout our local community in Belfast, Northern Ireland. We provide a safe and secure environment to enable children to develop as individuals and enjoy their early learning experiences throughout their years spent at our school. We have a range of specialised staff that are here to help support everyone in the family. We also work closely with a number of agencies to support the child both at school and in the home environment.

Each age group (primary 1-7) consists of 2 teachers and space for 25 children per classroom. All children arrive at 8:50am and leave at 2pm (primary 1-3) or 3pm (primary 4-7). During these hours, the children are able to enjoy their break and a hot meal for lunch as well as a designated time frame outside in order for the children to take a break from the classroom and explore the outdoor facilities we have at our school. Including a forest school, sensory park and play equipment.

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Support for parents struggling with their mental health

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Support for parents struggling with their mental health

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This charity provides a safe and supportive space for parents navigating the challenges of mental health. It is based around the Crumlin Road, Belfast. They offer tailored wellbeing programs, one-to-one advice and guidance as well as counselling services if needed. You can also meet parents that are going through similar experiences to you. Click the link above to find out more!

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The Parent Rooms – Creating a Circle of Support For Parents

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We understand that it can be difficult to open up about trauma to others and it can feel isolating at times. However, this news article highlights that 4 in 10 young people within Northern Ireland have experienced trauma within their life. You are not alone!

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That is according to a just-published study from researchers at Queen's University of Belfast (QUB) and Ulster University (UU).

It suggested that boys were more likely to report being threatened, hurt, witnessing or experiencing violence.

Girls, meanwhile, were more likely to report being sexually harassed online compared to boys.

The study in the prevalence of childhood trauma in Northern Ireland has just been published in the Journal of Child and Adolescent Trauma.

Its findings are based on information from a representative sample of almost 1,300 young people in Northern Ireland aged 11 to 19.

It follows previous research which found anxiety and depression is 25% more common in children and young people in Northern Ireland compared to other parts of the UK.

Trauma is defined as "exposure to an extremely threatening or horrific event or series of events".

Traumatic events in childhood can include experiencing or witnessing violence at school or at home, online sexual harassment, sexual assault or suffering a serious injury.

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Childhood trauma experienced by four in 10 NI young people

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Of the 1,300 young people who were asked, 478 had experienced at least one traumatic event.

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This website provides information on the different specialists within health, welfare and education sectors. Including health visitors, paediatricians within the community, the local special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO) and the designated medical officer. When you click on each of these roles, there will be an explanation on how they can support your family in regards to SEN.

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If a child has special educational needs, different people are responsible for assessing the child's needs and helping them. They're specialists who help look after the child's health, welfare and education. Parents can also get support and specialist advice about their child's needs.

Community paediatrician

A community paediatrician is a specialist doctor who can assess your child's needs. As well as advising you about health matters, this doctor may discuss with you concerns about possible learning problems.

With your agreement, this doctor will pass on significant concerns to the Education Authority (EA) in your region. Community paediatricians are employed by Health and Social Care Trusts.

Designated medical officer

This is likely to be a community paediatrician. They're responsible for collecting statutory medical and social services advice.

Every child must have a medical examination as part of their assessment. Most children get a basic medical examination to be sure they don't have significant medical needs. If your child had medical problems, they might need a different examination.

Educational psychologist

An educational psychologist has a post-graduate qualification in developmental and educational psychology. They must give the EA in your region advice as part of your child's statutory assessment.

Educational psychologists are also qualified and experienced teachers. They can advise on children and young people's educational needs of children. They can suggest ways to help your child.

Health visitor

A health visitor is a qualified nurse with specialist training. They may refer pre-school children with special educational needs to the community paediatrician. The designated medical officer might ask for the health visitor's advice during the statutory assessment process.

Learning support teacher

A learning support teacher can help your child directly or support teachers in the school. They're employed by the Education Authority.

Named officer

During a child's assessment process, the named officer gives parents advice, help and support. They are usually an officer employed in the Special Education Section of the EA in your area.

Occupational therapist

The occupational therapist gives assessment, treatment and rehabilitation to children and young people with physical, co-ordination and processing problems.

The designated medical officer might ask an occupational therapist for advice during the statutory assessment process. Occupational therapists are employed by Health and Social Care Trusts.

Physiotherapist

A physiotherapist is trained to provide assessment and treatment in overcoming movement and physical challenges such as problems of balance, coordination, sitting, standing and walking.

The designated medical officer might ask a physiotherapist for advice during the statutory assessment process. Physiotherapists are employed by Health and Social Care Trusts.

Special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO)

Every grant-aided school must have a SENCO. They're a staff member and responsible for co-ordinating the school's special educational needs provision. In a small school, the SENCO might be the principal. The SENCO can explain how the school meets your child's special educational needs.

Social worker

A social worker gives support and advice to parents and families. Social workers can give welfare advice to the statutory assessment. Social workers are employed by Health and Social Care Trusts.

School-based assistants

Some pupils with special educational needs require more help than a teacher can give. A school may employ various assistants to help children with different educational needs including:

classroom assistants

general assistants

supervisory assistants

learning support assistants

Assistants work under the school principal's direction.

Speech and language therapist

A speech and language therapist is trained to assess, diagnose, manage and treat speech and language problems. They also give support and advice to parents and schools.

Speech and language therapists can contribute to education plans and give medical advice during the assessment process. Speech and language therapists are employed by Health and Social Care Trusts.

More useful links

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Supporting children with special educational needs

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If a child has special educational needs, different people are responsible for assessing the child's needs and helping them. They're specialists who help look after the child's health, welfare and education. Parents can also get support and specialist advice about their child's needs.

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Support including local English classes, international meeting points, north Belfast friendship club 

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Support including local English classes, international meeting points, north Belfast friendship club 

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On this website, you will be able to find newcomer support available within our local community. Including adult only classes, women's centres, friendship clubs, and christian fellowship for example. There is also a variety of times available throughout the week for most of these classes. Why not give it a go!

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136 - 144 Broadway, Belfast BT12 6HY

Friday 9.15 - 11.15am - Women Only - Beginners.

Wednesday 10am - 12 midday - Women Only - Levels 1 and 2.

Wednesday 10am - 12 midday - Women Only - Improving reading / speaking.

Monday 10am - 12 midday - Women Only - Level 3.

Contact the office to enrol

International Meeting Point

3 1 Carlisle Circus, Belfast, BT14 6AT

Monday 7.00 - 9.00 pm - Beginner and Intermediate.

Wednesday 10.30 - 12.00 midday - Pre-Intermediate.

Tuesday 2.00 - 3.30 pm - 'Creative Conversations'. Ladies only group for informal English conversation practice and doing some creative activities together.

Contact Shirley McGonigle

North Belfast Friendship Club

Houben Centre, 436 Crumlin Road, Belfast BT14 7GE

Tuesdays 6.00- 8.00 pm in person. Open to anyone who wants to meet new people and practise their English.

Contact North Belfast Friendship Club on Facebook.

All Nations Ministries

NCM House, 218 York Street, Belfast BT15 1GY

Thursday 4.00 - 6.00 pm . All levels. Check for summer schedule.

Contact David Maganda

North Belfast Christian Fellowship

246 Antrim Road, Belfast, BT15 5NG

Thursday 10.30 am - 12.30 pm . All Levels. Check for summer schedule.

Contact Avril Edgar

North City Business Centre

Wellbeing Hub, Unit 17, 2 Duncairn Gardens, Belfast, BT15 2GG

Monday 4.00 - 6.30pm . Mixed level - starts 4th April 2022.

Contact Rebekah Smyth

Seaview Presbyterian Church Hall

94 Shore Road, Belfast BT15 3PZ

Tuesday 10.30 am - 12:30 pm . Informal English classes. Mixed level. Check for summer schedule.

Contact Helen Shaw

For any further information contact:

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Advice and support on a range of issues including statutory assessments, statements of special educational needs, obtaining provision in school and appeals.

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Advice and support on a range of issues including statutory assessments, statements of special educational needs, obtaining provision in school and appeals.

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SENAC advises on the Northern Ireland statutory SEN system. They provide information and advice on getting help and support in school for children with learning difficulties and special educational needs. Including what you can do if your child is struggling within our school, how to request a statutory assessment of your child's needs within school and what a SEN statement is.

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SENAC advises on the Northern Ireland statutory SEN system. We give information and advice on getting help and support in school for children with learning difficulties and special educational needs (SEN). Our service is independent and confidential.

GET YOUR CHILD THE HELP THEY NEED...

About us

The Special Educational Needs Advice Centre (SENAC) is charity in Northern Ireland which was set up in 2003. We offer confidential, independent advice and advocacy for children and young people with disabilities and special educational needs (SEN)

SENAC places the focus on the needs of the child. We work with parents, schools and education bodies. Together we aim to ensure that children get the right support and resources according to their learning needs.

Donations Make a Huge Difference

Thanks to our funders and the generosity of the public SENAC have been able to provide a free service to parents since 2003. SENAC do not receive any statutory funding and are therefore very grateful for all donations, large or small.

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The Special Educational Needs Advice Centre (SENAC) - Supporting parents of children with special educational needs in Northern Ireland

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SENAC advises on the Northern Ireland statutory SEN system. We give information and advice on getting help and support in school for children with learning difficulties and special educational needs (SEN). Our service is independent and confidential. GET YOUR CHILD THE HELP THEY NEED...

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Guidance followed to support newcomer children

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Guidance followed to support newcomer children

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This document provides information on the guidance we follow to support newcomer children within our school community. Including good practice, essential factors for English as an additional language, support strategies, and working with families from a variety of diverse backgrounds.

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Policies we follow in our school to support new pupils

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Policies we follow in our school to support new pupils

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Within our school, we follow policies provided by the Department of Education in order to ensure we are providing best practice for each of our children. There is also a version available for pupils to read to ensure they are receiving the support that they deserve.

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Policy - ‘Every School a Good School - Supporting Newcomer Pupils’ | Department of Education

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This policy has been developed to enable newcomer pupils to feel welcome within and participate fully in the curriculum and life of the school

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Local support for children and families who are having problems coping with a traumatic and frightening experience. 

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Local support for children and families who are having problems coping with a traumatic and frightening experience. 

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Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) provide a family trauma centre which helps children, young people and their families who are having problems coping with a traumatic and frightening experience. This service includes an assessment and then a plan on how they can support your child on how to handle these feelings. Click the link provided to read more on how to access this service within our community

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Address

Family Trauma Centre, 1 Wellington Park, Belfast, Co Antrim, BT9 6DJ

Contact Person

Telephone Number

028 9504 2828

Email Address

No details

Web Address

Visit Website
What the service does
The team at the Family Trauma Centre (FTC) helps children, young people and their families who are having problems coping with a traumatic and frightening experience. We work with children and young people up to the age of 18.

The first appointment at the Family Trauma Centre is an assessment. We talk to the child or young person and their family about the problems. After this, we agree on a plan to help overcome their problems.
How to access the service
Any of the following people or services can refer a child or young person and their family to the Family Trauma Centre:

GP

health visitor

children's services

hospital service, for example Emergency Department

community nurse

educational welfare officer

school nurse

social worker

psychologist

community or voluntary organisation

charity

You can also make a referral to the Family Trauma Centre on your own behalf (self-referral).
Opening hours :

Monday from 9am to 5pm

Tuesday from 9am to 9pm

Wednesday to Friday from 9am to 5pm

There are also regular outreach clinics in:

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cognitive therapy counselling mental health support victim / trauma support

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camhs (family trauma centre) - belfast trust

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camhs (family trauma centre) - belfast trust

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CAMHs (Family Trauma Centre) - Belfast Trust

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What the service does The team at the Family Trauma Centre (FTC) helps children, young people and their families who are having prob

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This NI Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) Animation has been developed as part of a suite of training resources through the EITP Trauma Informed Practice Project that is being led through the Safeguarding Board for NI. It forms the basis of raising awareness of adverse childhood experiences in Northern Ireland and how you can be the change to support children, their families or adults impacted by childhood adversity.

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List of local support groups within Northern Ireland

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List of local support groups within Northern Ireland

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Community NI provides a list of support services available within Northern Ireland including parenting programmes for dads, surestart support, early intervention support and adoptive parent support groups.

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CommunityNI is Northern Ireland's leading online hub for the voluntary and community sector. A platform to share news, jobs, opportunities and events, CommunityNI promotes the work of the sector to local communities.

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How to use the HSC website in order to find support for you

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How to use the HSC website in order to find support for you

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This video provides information on how to use the HSC website in order to find support for you. Including support within our local area for ethnic minority groups. For example, YMCA support work in groups or privately, migrant centre NI and an intercultural education service provided by the Education Authority. Click the link provided in the comments to find out more!

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Family Support Northern Ireland - Your Guide to Family Support Services in NI

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Local Programmes to support parent-child relationships 

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Local Programmes to support parent-child relationships 

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Parenting NI provides free support for parents across Northern Ireland. They provide a Freephone Support Line and other regional services, initially delivered by volunteers and now by trained staff. Parenting Focus is committed to supporting all parents and ensuring that their voices are heard whenever decisions are made that will affect them. They host a variety of parenting programmes that have a varied duration time. Some examples include their Star Programme which lasts 6 weeks. It is a joint parent and child/young person programme to support the parent and child's relationship by improving communication with each other. Find out about more support services they provide by clicking the link above!

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Parenting Focus has a range of parenting programmes available to meet the diverse needs of parents. All programmes and workshops have a proven track record with parents reporting enhanced confidence and improved parenting ability upon completion. Supporting resources are provided which further develop learning and understanding.

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Charities which provide after-school support/ weekend activities

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Charities which provide after-school support/ weekend activities

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Sólás is a special needs charity which supports children and young people with a broad range of additional needs including Autism. They are based in South Belfast, however their word expands throughout Northern Ireland. They provide a number of educational support, parental support and therapeutic programmes. These are normally after-school, on weekends or throughout summer scheme initiatives.

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REMINDER: School photos next week - April 14th, please bring in payment slips if applicable

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REMINDER: School photos next week - April 14th, please bring in payment slips if applicable

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(P4) School trip to Ulster Folk Museum, please return permission slips before May 12th if able to attend. 

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(P4) School trip to Ulster Folk Museum, please return permission slips before May 12th if able to attend. 

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NOVA - Trauma support Service close to Belfast 

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NOVA - Trauma support Service close to Belfast 

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Barnardo’s NOVA Trauma Support Service provides therapeutic support to children, young people and their parents. This service is located only 20 minutes away from Belfast. They can help to increase a sense of safety, overcome the fear that is associated with traumatic memories, reduce/eliminate trauma reactions and re-connect with family, friends and community. They are a professionally qualified team of counsellors that have been providing therapeutic trauma support to children, young people and parents for over 25 years.

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Barnardo's NOVA Trauma Support Service provides therapeutic support to children, young people and their parents who live in the Craigavon, Banbridge, Armagh, Dungannon, Newry and Mourne area. The service is delivered with funding and support from the 'Victims and Survivors Service' on behalf of 'The Executive Office' and is available for families who have been affected by the N.I Conflict/'Troubles'. This could be a trans-generational impact, when a previous trauma has affected a family's older generation with ripple effects on the younger generation coping with a more recent trauma. Many people are living with on-going trauma reactions. These include fear and anxiety, nightmares, panic attacks, flashbacks, depressive feelings and loss of belief in a 'safe world'. We can help to increase a sense of safety, overcome the fear that is associated with traumatic memories, reduce/eliminate trauma reactions and re-connect with family, friends and community. We are a professionally qualified team of counsellors that has been providing therapeutic trauma support to children, young people and parents for over 25 years. We accept referrals from Teachers, Social Workers, GP's, Health Visitors and other professionals or from community and voluntary groups. If you are unsure if we are the most appropriate service for you please contact us to discuss. We welcome all enquiries and, if are unable to provide support for you, we may be able to signpost you to the most appropriate service that will best meet your needs.

We can help with

Mental health

Services supporting children and young people's emotional health and wellbeing. We have centres where children and young people can visit and have a trained worker they can trust and talk to. We help them build their confidence and get to the root of their difficulties.

Find out more about Mental health

Search for Mental health services

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Barnardo's NOVA Trauma Support Service provides therapeutic support to children, young people and their parents who live in the Craigavon, Banbridge, Armagh,

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CommunityNI is Northern Ireland’s leading online hub for the voluntary and community sector. A platform to share news, jobs, opportunities and events, CommunityNI promotes the work of the sector to local communities.

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We are excited to remind you that World Culture Day is fast approaching our school! This special event will take place on 4th April and we can't wait to celebrate the rich diversity of cultures represented in our school community.

On this day, students will have the opportunity to learn about and share traditions, customs, music, food, and clothing from around the world. We encourage students to bring any items or share stories that represent their heritage.

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Throughout this website, you can find information about a local hub provided by this organisation in Belfast. It is an environment for individuals with a range of additional needs and disabilities to try new things and gain confidence. They can also learn new skills and try different activities. Including artwork, baking, music lessons, the use of a multi-sensory room and community activities such as swimming for example.

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Sense services in Northern Ireland - Sense

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Sense has been supporting people with deafblindness and complex disabilities in Northern Ireland since 1990.

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Simply click on this website, put in the dates that suit you and search to see what our town is hosting locally!

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Simply click on this website, put in the dates that suit you and search to see what our town is hosting locally!

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Events in Belfast | Belfast City Council

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Find all the events happening around Belfast including our parks and venues.

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Explore eight new zones, packed with over 250 interactive exhibits, that excite and inspire, with exhibits and experiences covering everything from climate change and nature to film and TV production, optical illusions, built engineering, medical science and much, much more.

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National Drawing Day - Art & Design in Belfast, Belfast

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We’re celebrating National Drawing Day at the Ulster Museum! Embrace your creativity and pick up a pencil on Saturday 17th May.

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This podcast discusses trauma in childhood and the way it can impact us throughout our lives. Simply click the link provided to be sent to the Spotify page to listen!

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Family Fun Day in support of Cancer Fund for Children. Just a 10 min drive away!

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Family Fun Day in support of Cancer Fund for Children. Just a 10 min drive away!

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Family Fun Day in support of Cancer Fund for Children - CASC

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Fun for all the family Come join us for a fantastic day of family fun at the Lisburn Rugby Club to raise money for Cancer Fund for Children, a charity that does amazing work and supports children and young people impacted by cancer across the island of Ireland. There will be tons of activities includingInflatablesRaffles […]