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Inservice Programme 2009/10

The Primary Professional Development Service continues to support teachers by providing ongoing opportunities for continuous professional development. This year provision was made for in-service training in the following areas:

Seminar on English as an Additional Language for Principals

In preparation for the seminar on English as an Additional Language for Principals, the Primary Professional Development Service consulted with a number of Principals to identify what aspects should be explored during the seminar. Informed by this needs analysis the seminar had three aims:

  • to explore the role of the principal in the context of English as an Additional Language
  • to consider and share best practice in relation to common areas of concern
  • to explore English as an Additional Language in the context of individual schools 

Over the course of the day, Principals had the opportunity to focus on the importance of the first language for children with EAL and to explore their role and responsibilities in relation to EAL, including policy provision, assessment, effective organisation of support and staff development.

Participants also had the opportunity to review and discuss a variety of case studies to encourage sharing of good practice in a structured, focused manner. There was also information regarding the services provided by external agencies which support schools in relation to newcomers, for example, the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS), and the Jesuit Refugee Services.

To conclude, Principals were enabled to reflect on best practice in ensuring an inclusive whole-school approach to EAL provision.  

Seminars on Child Protection Guidelines, DES

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This one day’s in-service training was offered to the Designated Liaison Person (DLP) and Deputy DLP in schools who did not attend seminars on Child Protection Guidelines and Procedures (DES, 2001) over the last two years.

The seminar aimed to provide guidance and direction to school personnel in relation to child protection. Participants also had the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the procedures for dealing with allegations and suspicions of child abuse. An overview of the seminar is detailed in the table below:

 Session one                     
  • Exploration of the historical and legal context of Children First: National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children (Dept. of Health and Children, 1999).
  • Examination of the various categories of abuse as defined in Children First and discussion of the signs and symptoms of child abuse.
 Session two
  • Exploration of the duties of the DLP in responding to suspicions and allegations of child abuse.
  • Consideration of the recommended procedures for handling allegations against school staff and importance of monitoring and accurate record keeping.
 Session three
  • Discussion and review of a number of case studies in order to enable participants to share best practice in relation to child protection issues.