School Completion Programme
The School Completion Programme was set up as part of the Department of Education and Skills DEIS strategy – Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools. This service in Mayo was established in 2007 and is available to DEIS primary and second level schools in North and South Mayo.
In 2011 The School Completion programme was integrated into the National Education and Welfare service (NEWB) and is now within the newly established Child and FamilyAgency, TUSLA.
The School Completion Programmes aim to increase the numbers of young people staying in Primary and Second Level by improving attendance, participation and retention of students who may be at risk of early school leaving. The School Completion programme focuses on targeting and providing supports and interventions to assist these students to successfully complete their education. Interventions include breakfast clubs, homework clubs, After school supports, individual support for students, therapeutic supports such as Counselling and Art Therapy, extra tuition, mentoring programmes, transition programmes and summer camps. School Completion Programme tailors supports to meet the needs of all students but especially those who are at risk of early school leaving.
North and South Mayo School Completion Programmes are managed by Local Management Committees with representatives from each school and youth services in the areas.
There are seven second level schools involved in the programme in Co Mayo; Davitt College, Castlebar, Scoil Mhuire agus Padraig, Swinford, Colaiste Pobail Acla, Achill, Moyne College, Ballina, St. Tiernan’s College, Crossmolina, St. Brendan’s College, Belmullet, Colasite Chomain, Rossport. There are two primary schools in the programme which are Scoil Iosa, Ballina and Scoil na gCeithre Maol, Ballina.
The School Completion staff in Mayo are: South Mayo SCP Sarah Sheridan , Local Co- ordinator and Frances Groden; Project Worker. North Mayo SCP Sheila Feeney, Local Coordinator, Roisin Heavey, Project Worker and and Kelly O Malley, Project Worker.
