The Pre-School Service aims to promote the optimum development of young children with special educational needs from the age of two years by providing peripatetic teaching to children in the home and advisory support to their families and staff in pre-school and in school settings.

The Pre-School Service is accessed through referral from members of the Board’s Educational Psychology Service and/or the Designated Medical Officers of the Health and Social Care Trust.

Depending on circumstances and requirements the pre-school teacher makes home visits and works in partnership with the parent(s)/guardian(s) to promote the personal, social and emotional development of the child. New skills are taught in preparation for the educational setting. Liaison with other professionals occurs as appropriate and the pre-school teacher provides Additional Educational Advice as part of the statutory assessment process when requested. Advice and support is offered to the child’s playgroup throughout the duration of the time spent there and during his/her first term in school. The Pre-School Service also provides training.

For more information please contact: