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Full Service Programmes

Full Service - Overcoming Barriers to Learning

Some children and young people, especially those living in disadvantaged communities, can face a number of issues or “barriers to learning” which can lead to them doing less well at school. In order to overcome those barriers those children and their families often need additional support.

Linked closely with the Extended Schools Programme, the Full Service approach goes beyond standard extended school provision by delivering substantial additional programmes and activities aimed at tackling barriers to learning and raising levels of educational attainment for those pupils in the greatest need.

The Full Service approach seeks to meet the needs of the “whole” child (eg physical; emotional; social; health etc) to create an environment every child is ready to learn. In doing so, the Full Service approach encourages stronger links with parents and communities as they have a vital role in supporting children and young people so that they can achieve their full potential.

The Department of Education, through the Belfast Education and Library Board (BELB) and the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS), is currently piloting Full Service provision in two communities experiencing high levels of deprivation:-

  • Full Service Schools (FSS)– based at the Boys’ Model and Model School for Girls in North Belfast (ongoing since 2006); and the
  • Full Service Community Network (FSCN) in the Ballymurphy area of West Belfast (officially launched in 2009).

In 2012/13, the Department allocated £367k in support of each programme.

Both Full Service programmes offer access to comprehensive specialist support services in response to the particular education, employability and health and well-being needs not only of pupils but also their parents, families and the wider community. These services are organised and delivered collaboratively between schools and a range of partners including statutory agencies (such as Health) and other local voluntary and community groups.  

For more detailed information on the Full Service programmes including the sorts of activities and services being delivered, you can refer to the individual programme websites via the below links:-

Full Service Schools http://belfastgms.org/site/fses/

Full Service Community Network www.fscn.co.uk/