Speech and Language Therapy

We employ a Speech and Language Therapy Assistant who works here three days per week. She works in school with children who have speech and language difficulties. Children work with the SLTA in small groups of three or four or on an individual basis if necessary. Work is sent home so parents can reinforce the work done in school. Parents have found this to be very beneficial in the past with many children being discharged from therapy by the end of the school year.

Autism NI

We have developed and implement a specific, detailed Autism NI Action Plan, in conjunction with our Autism Impact Award. This demonstrates our commitment to;

• develop ASD staff training
• provide adjustments to the environment to help children with Autism, if needed.
• ensure appropriate teaching and speech and language input, to assist children with specific needs.
• creating an appropriate, ASD-friendly environment where children feel safe, happy and secure, and parents can talk freely to teachers about their child's strengths/ needs.

We achieved this award in 2022. If you do have ASD concerns about your child, here is a list of useful websites you may wish to look at.

www.autismni.org

www.middletownautism.com

www.eani.org.uk

www.autism.org.uk

Facebook:

Downpatrick Family Support Group

 

Daily Mile

We are participating in the Daily Mile. We use the Daily Mile track at St Colmcille’s Primary School. All the children and staff run or jog for 15 minutes two/ three times per week. This helps improve mental health and well being, improves fitness and even helps with focus in the classroom! We have even joined in the World Daily Mile celebration!

 

Equine Therapy

Some of our children are able to avail of Equine Therapy, which is kindly paid for by St Colmcille's Primary School.

“Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) is an experiential learning approach which promotes the development of life skills. We work with horses or ponies to develop skills such as communication, self-awareness, self-management, decision making, problem-solving emotional regulation, teamwork connection and trust amongst many others. Sessions are carefully planned to work on specific areas that are most relevant to your child. During EAL sessions we work with horses / ponies from the ground and riding is not involved in this approach.”

• Peace of Mind Information Leaflet – Nicci Hall

Dental Health

We work closely with the Dental Health team with SEHSCT. We get free toothbrushes and toothpaste. We brush our teeth in school  and even get to take a new toothbrush and toothpaste home each term! We have a healthy snack each day and are learning all about taking care of our teeth. Our school has achieved lots of awards from SEHSCT for this - even a Platinum award!