Scoil Mhuire, Ballymore Eustace, was awarded €5,000 to collaborate with St. Brigid’s National School, Manor Kilbride and SN Nicoláis Naofa, Dunlavin, to build their professional capacity in supporting children’s self-esteem, resilience, and emotional regulation through working with a play therapist and an occupational therapist. Professional learning took place through joint workshops, reflective sessions and shared practice.
The project aimed to promote teacher collaboration, enhance classroom strategies and ensure consistent approaches to wellbeing across all three schools.
School's reflection
Our Féilte Collaborative Professional Learning Project, Stronger Together: Building Teacher Capacity for Pupil Wellbeing, brought together staff from Scoil Mhuire NS, Ballymore Eustace, St. Brigid’s NS, Manor Kilbride and Scoil Nicolas Naofa, Dunlavin to deepen our understanding of how best to support children’s emotional wellbeing, self-esteem and resilience.
Working with an experienced play therapist, teachers and SNAs engaged in a series of collaborative workshops, reflective discussions and practical learning experiences. The project provided valuable opportunities for staff to explore proactive approaches to supporting pupils, with a particular focus on emotional regulation, co-regulation and relationship-based practice. The collaborative nature of the project enabled staff from the three schools to share experiences, discuss challenges and learn from one another in a supportive professional environment.
The impact on teacher professional learning was significant. Staff reported increased confidence in recognising and responding to pupils’ emotional needs and a greater understanding of how everyday interactions can support wellbeing. Many participants implemented new strategies within their classrooms and support settings, leading to more consistent approaches across the schools.
While the primary focus of the project was teacher learning, staff observed positive benefits for pupils through calmer classroom environments, improved emotional awareness and stronger relationships between children and the adults who support them. The project has strengthened professional relationships between the schools and established a foundation for future collaboration and shared learning.