A NUMBER of Western Education and Library Board (WELB) learning support teachers from primary, post primary and special schools in Derry and Strabane have successfully completed a recognised qualification in the management of special needs, recently.

The Diploma in Professional Development (Learning Support/Inclusion), a two-year course accredited by Queen's University Belfast, is delivered by the WELB's Curriculum Advisory and Support Service (CASS). The course comprises of three modules: Effective Schools for all, Effective Classrooms for all and Support Networks.

Sean Barr, WELB Assistant Advisory Officer and main course tutor, said, "The WELB has recognised for some time now that there has been a demand from teachers for the opportunity to undertake a recognised qualification in learning support/inclusion. Several years ago the WELB ran a very successful Certificate in Professional Development also accredited by Queen's University, aimed at post primary learning support teachers. Heartened by the success of the certificate course the WELB agreed to run the Diploma course and include primary and special school teachers as well. Over the past ten years around 160 teachers from across the WELB have successfully completed this post graduate Diploma course.

"A unique feature of this course has been the extensive collaboration involved not only between the WELB and Queen's University Belfast, but also between the CASS Service, the WELB's Children and Young People's Department which includes psychology, peripatetic and outreach services and the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI). Indeed collaboration was extended throughout Northern Ireland to include the other Education and Library Boards who also offered this course in their respective areas."

Sean congratulated all the teachers who attended and completed the course and thanked all involved in the organisation of the course.

Back row, (LtR) are Niamh O'Sullivan, St Peter's HS, Fancie Condren, St Peter's HS, Meave Mellon, St John's PS, Teresa Duggan, St Mary's PS, Killyclogher, Lilian Morrow, Edwards PS, Claire Kelly, Barrack Street Boys, Ann-Marie McGlynn, Barrack Street Boys, Rhonda Dunn, Strabane HS, Robin Sproule, Strabane HS, Diane Moore, Castlederg HS, Rory McLaughlin, WELB CASS, Martina McCarron, St Peters HS, Front row (RtL): Joyce Logue, Hollybush PS, Margaret Grant, St Eithnes's, Sean Barr, WELB CASS, Pat Boyle, CASS and Marie McCullagh, WELB CASS