Barnardo's NI calls for a community schools strategy

Barnardo's NI hosted representatives from the Children's Aid Society (CAS), New York at the launch of its latest Policy & Practice briefing: 'Community schools: working in partnership to support children, young people and families'

Jane Quinn, Vice President for Community Schools, Children's Aid Society and Abelardo Fernandez, Deputy Director, CAS National Centre for Community Schools, were guest speakers at the launch of the policy and practice briefing held earlier this week at Malone House, Belfast. The Children's Aid Society operates over 20 community schools in New York and Chicago and since 2005 Barnardo's NI has beeen transferring learning from the CAS Model to the programmes it designs and implements in schools across Northern Ireland. Lynda Wilson, Director Barnardo's nI said, " All the evidence demonstrates that community schools improve educational attainment, family engagement with schools, children's learning, school effectiveness and community vitality. We are not asking for extra investment, but for a re-organising of resources in an effective and efficient way which is focused on student success. To achieve different results we need to change practice."  Barnardo's NI, together with Jane and Abe also provided a special briefing to the Education Committee during their visit to Northern Ireland, outlining the positive impact community schools have had in deprived areas of New York. Committee Chairperson, Mervyn Storey said, "It was fascinating to hear about the American community project from the Children's Aid Society and we thank them for coming and presenting to the Committee. It was very helpful to hear how the project was implemented and managed, along with the many very positive stories and successful outcomes.'

Ends.

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