A new regional integrated health and social care service working directly in mainstream primary schools supporting children has been launched this month.
‘RISE’ (Regional Integrated Support for Education) will enable staff from the health and social care and education sectors to work closely together to help children access learning and enhance their development to reach their full potential.
Speaking at the launch on 18 May 2017, Fionnuala McAndrew, Director of Social Care with the Health and Social Care Board explained:
“The RISE service was set up following a review of existing services across Northern Ireland and the need for a consistent approach across all schools. The service will identify and support children who may only need that initial help, or to identify children who even with that support, need to be supported further, within the Health and Social Care and Education systems.”
“Schools are now better prepared and equipped for children with delays in speech, coordination and motor skills difficulties with help and support from a range of healthcare professionals, she said.”