Education Minister Paul Givan has visited Little Oaks EOTAS to observe how it supports primary-age pupils unable to attend mainstream schooling.

Little Oaks is part of the Local IMPACT Team model and provides specialist help for children with social, behavioural, emotional and wellbeing needs.

The facility currently has 13 EOTAS Partnership Placements and has assisted 173 pupils through three different pathways of support. A further 74 children have benefited from ten group-based intervention programmes delivered directly in mainstream primary schools.

Givan stated that Education Other Than At School provision is critical for vulnerable young people who cannot access education in a conventional classroom setting.

Kevin Holly, Headteacher of Little Oaks, said the team’s child-centred practice and strong collaboration with mainstream schools and agencies help each pupil feel safe, valued and able to achieve.

During the visit, the Minister met pupils, parents, staff, primary school principals and health professionals from the Western Health and Social Care Trust.