New centre ‘a model for good practice’

The Commissioner for Children and Young People has praised a groundbreaking emotional health and well-being project at Carrickfergus College.
By The Newsroom
Published 8th Mar 2014, 16:46 BST
Principal Webb presents a gift from Carrickfergus College to the Childrens Commissioner Mrs Lewsley- Mooney and the head of the Stormont Education Committee Mervyn Storey. INCT 10-749-CON COLLEGEPrincipal Webb presents a gift from Carrickfergus College to the Childrens Commissioner Mrs Lewsley- Mooney and the head of the Stormont Education Committee Mervyn Storey. INCT 10-749-CON COLLEGE
Principal Webb presents a gift from Carrickfergus College to the Childrens Commissioner Mrs Lewsley- Mooney and the head of the Stormont Education Committee Mervyn Storey. INCT 10-749-CON COLLEGE

Patricia Lewsley-Mooney made the comments after a visit to the college’s Well Being Centre and hearing from the vice principal responsible for pastoral care Amanda Irvine about the hopes for the future development of this area of school life.

Mrs Lewsley-Mooney said: “The college has taken the initiative to support it’s pupils in a really meaningful way. It provides them with a space where issues that affect them can be spoken about in a neutral environment.

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“I was particular impressed with the ‘Take Ten’ system, which monitors pupils’ stress levels and helps them to cope with in very practical ways.

“The centre is a model of good practice which looks after the emotional health and well-being of pupils. This, in turn, will contribute to improved educational outcomes.”

Also welcomed to the school by principal Hedley Webb and Rosemary Shaw, chair of the governors, were a number of guests including Mervyn Storey MLA, chair of the Stormont Education Committee; Hillary Johnston, Public Health Agency; Una Kelly, The Michaela Foundation; Shauna Cathcart, Regional Training Unit and Fintan Connelly, Take Ten.

The visit also included observing a meeting of the School Council, led by Mr Sloan. It is hoped, according to a Carrickfergus College statement, the work on emotional health and well-being will be used to form a blueprint for other schools to follow.