Evidence Based Practice in the School Setting

Evidence based practice in the school setting Part 2

A framework for addressing the needs of students with challenging behaviour in the post primary school setting.

Date: 8th and 9th of July 2013 (This is a two day course) Time: 9h30 am – 17h00 Venue: Dr Steeven’s Hospital, Dublin (Opposite Heuston Station) Cost: € 95,- for AOTI members € 200,- for non-AOTI members

This CPD event aims to address the limited training and resources available in school based service provision in Ireland.

Course Aim

To equip occupational therapists with advanced clinical reasoning skills, knowledge and the right attitude to work collaboratively with teachers and other professionals in a school setting to enhance the occupational performance of children experiencing social and emotional difficulties that act as a barrier to learning and inclusion.

Course Content:

 Introduction to school based service delivery in post primary schools.  Three-Tiered Continuum of Behaviour Support: Integration of Academic and Social Behaviour  Overview of the National Behaviour Support Service (NBSS) system for intervention in post primary schools in Ireland  The role of Occupational Therapy within the team based model of behaviour support in post primary schools.  Whole School Occupational Therapy Assessment (Including Needs Assessment and Environmental Assessment)  Occupational Therapy Interventions for students displaying challenging behaviour: the balance between addressing the personal capacities of students and adapting the physical, social and cultural environment within which they function.  The importance of belonging, peer support and group identity for students.  Application of principles of therapeutic use of self  Practical application and feedback

Learning outcomes

1. To develop an understanding and working knowledge of school based collaboration between occupational therapy and education professionals.

2. To develop an understanding of the three tiered behaviour support model used in post primary schools in Ireland.

3. To develop skills in placing occupational therapy into the context of post primary schools and develop an understanding of the role of other professionals within this setting.

4. To develop skills in presenting and advocating for interventions that are occupation focused and client centred to educators, parents and other professional groups.

5. To develop a clinical reasoning framework to guide evidence based practice.

6. To be provided with the opportunity to implement self-evaluation techniques to reflect on own performance, own attitude and therapeutic use of self.

Who is eligible to apply?

This course is applicable to occupational therapists of all levels who have an interest in developing the skills outlined above

This course addresses the following competencies (HSE, 2008):

A. Professional Practice

7. Professional Reasoning

7.2 Demonstrate a logical and systematic approach to problem solving and decision making. 7.4 Critically evaluate the impact of contemporary issues relating to the profession.

B. Providing a quality service

9. A Quality Service

9.10 Identifying and prioritising the requirements of change within service area. 9. 13 Lead or support activities that contribute to the improved effectiveness of the service and organisation.

C. Education and development

15.4 Use creative and flexible teaching and learning approaches.

Course Programme

Programme for day 1 (8th of July) 9h00 Registration with Tea & coffee 9h30 Introduction to 11h00 Coffee Break 11h15 The Three Tiered Model of Behaviour Intervention 11h45 Overview of the National Behaviour Support Service (NBSS) 13h00 Lunch 14h00 Case studies of children referred for Occupational Therapy through the NBSS The role of Occupational Therapy in the Behaviour Support Team 15h30 Coffee break 15h45 Whole-School Assessment (Environmental Audit, Assessment of the social environment, case study) Overview of Occupational Therapy Intervention 17h00 Close

Programme for day 2 (9th of July) 9h30 Foundations of Practice: The importance of belonging, peer support and group identity 11h00 Coffee Break 11h15 The Alert Program adapted for use in the post primary setting Interpersonal Skills Groups 13h00 Lunch 14h00 Environmental Intervention Crisis Intervention Motor and Sensory Groups 15h15 Therapeutic use of self 15h30 Questions & answers 16h00 Close

Presenters

Dr Siobhan Mac Cobb, PhD, MSc. Dip. COT.

Siobhan has been involved in innovative developments in inclusive education for people with disabilities and learning difficulties for many years. She is a lecturer in the Study of Occupation and Disability Studies in the Discipline of Occupational Therapy, Trinity College Dublin. She is co-ordinator of occupational therapy services with the NBSS and has published internationally on collaborative working in post primary education to better support participation and learning by students with social, emotional, behavioural and learning difficulties in schools serving areas of social disadvantage.

Carolyn Lanigan O’Keeffe, B.Sc.OT and Brian Fitzgerald, B.Sc.OT

Brian and Carolyn have worked as occupational therapists on the interdisciplinary team of the National Behaviour Support Service (NBSS) since 2010. Their work involves the nationwide development and roll out of occupational therapy interventions within the NBSS model of support. Part of their role in the NBSS also involves capacity building in school systems in areas such as sensory processing challenges in the school setting and developmental factors influencing social development and consequently participation and inclusion. Brian and Carolyn are currently conducting research into the impact of an adapted version of the ‘Alert Programme’ in 21 post primary schools nationwide.

Margot Barry, B.OT, MSc. AOTI CPD officer and Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist in Paediatrics Margot has worked in children’s services for the past 15 years, in a variety of practice settings including acute care, school based services, community services and residential services. Margot completed her MSc degree by research and thesis in a community based children’s service. It is entitled ‘Realigning the Paediatric Occupational Therapy Service – change towards Client-Centredness and Quality’. Margot is currently one of two AOTI CPD officers and has an avid interest in professional learning and adult education.

Application procedure Please print and complete the attached application form. Send it along with your payment to the following address: (Places will only be confirmed when payment has been received) AOTI EBP in Schools - Part 2 Suite 2.20 The Distiller’s Building Smithfield Business Centre Smithfield Dublin 7 For any queries please contact Margot Barry at [email protected]

Evidence based practice in the school setting Part 2 Application Form

Name Address

E-mail Address Telephone number AOTI membership number Experience level Please summarise VERY BRIEFLY your current level of work experience with regards to the topic of this course.

I enclose my fee of (please tick as appropriate): AOTI member [ ] € 95 Non- AOTI member [ ] € 200 Cheques to be made out to AOTI. Important NOTES: Places will be allocated on a first come first serve basis. The number of places is capped and if more therapists apply than there are places available, an alternative date will be proposed or you will be refunded. If you are unable to attend, the course fee is Non-refundable if you cancel your attendance with less than one week to the course date. Lunch is NOT included in the course fee and participants are asked to provide their own lunch. All queries to be sent to Margot Barry: [email protected]

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