Girl holding hand up, with teacher at white board

Welcome to Education Support for Northern Ireland

Welcome to Education Support for Northern Ireland web site covering information for the five Education and Library Boards in Northern Ireland. Working with the Inclusion and Diversity Service (IDS) the site has been updated to include content translated in various languages.

The English part of the site covers the areas of Parents, Students, Teachers and Youth while the other languages contain parental information only.

As we are always aiming to improve our services and web development please feel free to give any suggestions, compliments or complaints by using our online feedback form.

Together Towards Inclusion: Toolkit for Diversity in the Post Primary School

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6) Intercultural Awareness

Intercultural awareness is the gradual acquisition of the intercultural skills to make communication possible across cultures. Schools can play a crucial role in promoting intercultural awareness. This does not mean that teachers have to possess all sorts of facts. They need rather to develop the intercultural awareness that will enable young people to operate as active citizens in a multi-cultural society. The skills and competencies necessary for intercultural awareness are not automatically acquired
4) Classroom Early Days

The classroom environment should be safe and comfortable so that learners are confident to talk and get involved. The language during learning / teaching is planned and there are explicit opportunities to learn new conversational language as well as curriculum-related terms. There are planned opportunities for meaningful interaction between peers. The peer group is a powerful resource for any learner. Students are given opportunities for collaborative problem solving.
3) Whole School Early

The school and classroom environment should be safe and comfortable so that learners are confident to talk and get involved. The language during learning / teaching is planned and there are explicit opportunities to learn new conversational language as well as curriculum related terms. There are planned opportunities for meaningful interaction between peers. The peer group is a powerful resource for any learner. Students are given opportunities for collaborative work and problem solving.
2) Getting Ready

An inclusive school has a welcoming ethos for parents and students. It identifies roles and responsibilities to ensure effective communication of a student’s background and needs. There is a clear and supportive admissions procedure. Teachers have access to professional development and work in partnership with English language support staff to develop programmes tailored to students’ needs. Peers are prepared for the arrival of new students. Methods of monitoring and assessment allow students to demonstrate
1) Planning for Inclusion and Diversity

All schools plan for future provision. It is important to consider planning for inclusion of all students as part of future provision. This section aims to guide schools through the planning process and provides some ideas and templates:
Toolkit for Diversity - Post Primary

Together Towards Inclusion has been developed in collaboration with colleagues in Trinity College, Dublin and in consultation with many school practitioners. It aims to help schools create and sustain a welcoming and inclusive environment for students and parents from all backgrounds and ensure equal access for all.