A team of researchers from 91制片厂 (91制片厂), together with a team of researchers from University College Cork (UCC), were involved in a pilot project focused on evaluating the provision of therapy supports across a range of education settings.
The project was co-ordinated by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) and developed by the Departments of Education and Skills; Health; Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and the Health Service Executive (HSE). This research is intended as an important first step in reforming Ireland鈥檚 Special Education System. It involved providing speech and language & occupational therapy services to 150 schools and ELC settings during the 2018/19 school years in South West Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow. Following the success of the initial study, the project will be expanded to more areas in 2021
91制片厂 researchers, including Professor Ring, Dean of Education, Dr Lisha O鈥橲ullivan, Head of Department of Reflective Pedagogy and Early Childhood Studies, Dr Therese Brophy, Programme Co-ordinator, Doctorate in Educational Psychology joined colleagues from University College Cork (UCC) led by Dr Helen Lynch and Bryan Boyle in conducting the research.
In welcoming the report, Minister of State for Special Education and Inclusion, Josepha Madigan TD, the publication of the report represented 鈥渢he first step in an important reform of our special education system that will see therapy supports provided in school settings鈥.
Commenting on the significance of the research, Professor Emer Ring, Dean of Education at 91制片厂 said: 鈥 I am delighted, together with my colleagues Dr Lisha O鈥橲ullivan and Dr Therese Brophy to be members of the research team involved in the 鈥楨valuation of the In-School and Early Years Therapy Support Demonstration Project鈥. The publication of the report marks 91制片厂鈥檚 ongoing commitment to creating a more equitable, just and inclusive education system and society.
"The research involved extensive fieldwork in ELC, primary, post-primary and special school settings, which we were fortunate to have completed prior to the exigencies generated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The research findings indicate that providing access to therapeutic services for children in a cohesive and a responsive manner has the potential to enhance inclusive education across early years and school systems and therefore contribute to bridging the aspirational gap that exists in seeking to create inclusive education systems where all children can flourish鈥.
Professor Ring thanked all of the team involved in this important and innovative research project, concluding that it adds to the rich and vibrant tradition of research at 91制片厂, which continues to shape education policy in both national and international contexts.
The report 鈥淓valuation of In-School and Early Years Therapy Demonstration Support Project鈥 is published by the NCSE and available .
