Home School Community Liaison Scheme

The underlying vision and thrust of the HSCL Scheme is preventative; therefore, it seeks to promote and develop real partnership between parents, teachers and communities, in order to enhance pupils’ outcomes and learning opportunities, through improved attendance, participation and retention in the education system.

Responsibility for the services formerly provided by NEWB (National Educational Welfare Board) now rests with the Educational Welfare Services (EWS) of Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. This includes the HSCL Scheme, which is a core element of the integrated EWS of Tusla, serving DEIS schools.

The HSCL Scheme:

• Targets children at risk of not fully attending, participating or being retained within the formal educational system because of many home, school, community and other issues, which adversely affect pupil attainment and school retention
• Focuses directly on the significant adults in children’s lives and seeks direct benefits for the children themselves
• Works in an enabling way with parents to develop their capacity as a key resource in their children’s learning
• Develops the pupil-parent-teacher relationship, so that school becomes a place where all young people can reach their potential
• Identifies and provides for the personal, leisure and learning needs of parents, so as to promote their self-worth and self-confidence, which will have a positive impact on their children’s education
• Becomes familiar with attendance patterns, in order to maximize student attendance, participation and retention
• Works in a supportive and purposeful way with parents and facilitates communication with class teacher, tutor, year-head, and school management, when required
• Promotes positive teacher and staff attitudes towards partnership-working and adopting a wholeschool approach to attendance participation and retention

Mid West & Midlands Co-ordinator: David Dineen