Principal: Mr Terry Rodgers
Chairperson of the Board of Governors: Dr Dermot Hanna
Leader of the Specilaist Centre: Mrs Olivia Conlon
Teachers:
P1 (Speech and Language Class)-
Miss Crawford
P2/3 (Speech and Language Class)-
Miss Beatty
P4 (Speech and Language Class)-
Miss Friel
P1 (Social and Communication Class)-
Mrs Marshall
P1 (Social and Communication Class)-
Mrs Murphy
P2/3 (Social and Communication Class)-
Miss Sweeney
P5 (Social and Communication Class)
Mr Irvine
P1 SLD Class
Mrs Conlon
Classroom Assistants-
P1 (Speech and language Class) Miss Finnegan
P2/3 (Speech and Language Class)- Mrs McMahon, Miss Rice
P3/4 Speech and Language Class- Mrs Connolly
P1 (Social and Communication Class)- Mrs Rooney, Mrs Mead, Mrs Loughran, Miss Rooney
P2/3 (Social and Communication Class)- Mrs Gibson, Mrs Hayes, Mrs Kennedy, Miss Magee
P5 (social and communcaton class)- Mrs Lawlor, Mrs Teer
P1 (SLD Class)- Mrs Sweeney, Miss Austin
Enrolment Number:
Speech and Language Classes
There are three classes for children with Speech & Language Difficulties. Each class supporting children with Speech and Language can admit 12 children.
Social And Communication Classes (For Autistic Children)
There are four classes autistic children. Each class can admit 8 children.
Severe Learning Difficulty (SLD) Classes
This year there is one class supporting children with severe learning difficulties. This class can admit a maximum 6 children. In 2026/27 we hope to add a further 2 classes for children with SLD.
The specialist centre when at capacity at present can accommodate 74 children.
Age range of pupils: 4-8 yrs for children with speech and language difficulties and 4-11 for autistic children and children with SLD. Children with S&L difficulties will usually move to Mainstream Education (local primary school or St Teresa’s mainstream classes) after P4. A small number of children who require further support with Speech and Language can transfer to other KS2 Speech and Language Centres. Children with autism and SLD remain in our school until the end of P7.
St Teresa’s Board of Governors manages the school and consists of representatives from:
- The Trustees,
- The Department of Education,
- The Belfast Education and Library Board,
- The Parents
- The Teachers.
Mr Rodgers, the school Principal, undertakes the daily running of the school on behalf of the Board and all queries regarding school policy and practice that may arise should be addressed to him in the first instance.
How the Specialist Centre can support your child:
The Specialist Centre (SC)
Oral language is a primary way we express ourselves and communicate with others. When a child experiences delays in speech, language, or broader communication, they may struggle to express their needs or understand others, which can lead to frustration and impact their learning and social development. Early identification and intervention are key to helping children reach their full potential.
Opened in 2009, the Specialist Centre (SC) works in close partnership with the main school to provide an inclusive and nurturing environment tailored to the individual needs of each child. Originally focused on supporting children with speech and language difficulties, the Centre now also provides specialist support for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and severe learning difficulties.
We offer a supportive setting where children can develop their communication, social, and academic skills. Pupils benefit from small class sizes and personalised learning, with opportunities to integrate into mainstream classes when appropriate. Our aim is to help every child play a full and active role in school life.
Multidisciplinary Support
In collaboration with parents and teachers, a team of professionals work together to provide effective, individualised support. We liaise closely with:
- Educational Psychologists
- Statementing Officers from the Education Authority (EA)
- Advisory Officers for Special Needs provision from the EA
- Belfast Health Trust Speech Therapy Department
- Outreach Services
- Occupational Therapists
- Physiotherapists
- Staff from feeder and transferring schools: Nursery, Playgroup, Mainstream schools and other Units
Target Areas
Speech and Language Therapy is provided across a range of areas including:
- Phonology and Articulation – Clear and distinct speech sounds
- Pragmatics – Social use of language
- Semantics – Vocabulary and meaning
- Morphology and Syntax – Grammar and sentence structure
- Fluency – Rhythm and flow of speech
- Voice – Vocal characteristics such as pitch, quality, and resonance
In addition, a range of strategies and structured approaches are used to support children in our Autism Specialist Classes. These include visual supports, sensory integration techniques, structured routines, and communication aids. For more information, please contact Mrs Conlon, the SC Coordinator.
The Classroom
Teaching in the Centre follows the Northern Ireland Curriculum, with additional emphasis on developing:
- Communication and language skills
- Thinking and perceptual skills
- Vocabulary development
- Fine and gross motor skills
Children engage in learning through whole-class activities, small groups, and individual sessions, depending on their needs.
Home/School Liaison
Strong links between home and school are essential. We offer:
- A Home/School Communication Diary for daily messages between parents, teachers, and therapists
- A direct phone line for urgent communication
- Termly meetings to review progress and set targets through Individual Education Plans (IEPs)
- Annual Review meetings for children with a Statement of Special Educational Need
- Opportunities for parents to participate in Open Days, Assemblies, Concerts, Trips, and other school events
Parents are always welcome to visit the Centre. To ensure we can give you the time and attention you deserve, we kindly ask that you call ahead to arrange a suitable time.
ADMISSIONS
Application for a place in the Centre is by referral only through the Education Authority (Belfast Region). Therefore parents can not apply for a place in the Centre without their child having a statement of special educational needs or awaiting a statement. Prospective parents and pupils are always welcome to visit the Centre and appointments can be made through the school office. Children admitted to the Centre will have had a variety of assessments including those from a Speech and Language Therapist and an Educational Psychologist. They will be in the process of being assessed with a view to having a statement or will have a statement of Special Educational Need already in place. Parents are invited to visit the Centre and discuss the specific needs of their child so that if they are offered a place they are able to make an informed decision. The placement will be reviewed each year at an Annual Review meeting with Parents, Therapists, Teachers and Advisory Officers.
SPEECH THERAPY DEPARTMENT
The Centre is currently supported by three Speech Therapists and a Speech Therapy Assistant. The children are assessed regularly during the year and advice and training is offered to Parents and staff when required.
Speech and language therapy is an integral part of life in the Centre and each child receives intensive individual and / or group speech and language therapy from a specialist speech and language therapist and/or her assistant under her direction.
INCLUSION
The children are very much part of St Teresa’s Primary School and they follow the main school topics. Each child integrates daily for assemblies, playtimes and lunchtimes. Additional integration into mainstream lessons is individually arranged for each child. As the child progresses through the Centre, extra integration can be arranged in preparation for their transition to other schools when required.
We aim to create a warm, stimulating and challenging atmosphere where all children and adults will feel valued and welcomed. Everyone contributes creatively to the life of the school, striving together for improvements. School and home co-operate to foster the development of the children, not only through the curriculum but also through personal and social dimensions.
HOME/SCHOOL TRANSPORT
If parents are unable to bring their son/daughter to the Centre each day due to distance, the Education Authority may provide transport. The drivers and escorts bring the children into the Centre each morning and collect them each afternoon. Whilst transport can be available from the Education Authority we would welcome the opportunity to speak to Parents in the morning and at collection times. All children should be collected from school at the designated times unless engaged in school organized activities.
The school will be closed during the months of July & August. All other planned holidays are distributed at the beginning of the academic year and in each of the termly newsletters. It is the aim of St. Teresa’s to fully involve parents in the education of their children and to inform and consult with them regularly about their children’s progress.
INDUCTION PROGRAMME
All parents of new children are invited to meet the Principal, Vice Principal, Centre Leader and their child’s class teacher in June prior to enrolment. An overview of the work in the Centre is discussed and important information is shared with parents and children.
For even more detail please click the link below to view the full prospectus:
If you have any further questions please contact the SLC Coordinator- Mrs O Conlon via the school office or email: oconlon523@c2kni.net