One of the key factors contributing to social exclusion and poverty is low levels of educational attainment. County Longford has a relatively high level of educational disadvantage and therefore LCRL operates a number of initiatives aimed at imporving access to, participation in, and outcomes from education. These include projects within schools, work with parents, and a project aimed at suporting access to third level education.

LCRL, in conjunction with County Longford VEC, provide a five day training programme each July in synthetic phonics called ‘Fonics Phirst’ run by Phonics Ireland. This programme is aimed at teachers and adult educators but specifically targets Learning Support, Resource and Junior Cycle teachers in primary schools in County Longford. Through this programme we hope to improve teachers’ skills and understanding of how to teach reading and writing with the aim that all children in mainstream education in the County will leave school as competent and confident readers and writers.

Phonics Ireland training introduces the teacher to a full range of skills, knowledge and ideas needed to become expert in synthetic phonics teaching. Since the first course in 2005, over 150 teachers/trainers have been trained in this method in County Longford. In a growing number of primary schools in the county this is becoming the primary method of literacy teaching. The successes the schools are having with their pupils will ensure that this will continue to be the case. Our hope is that all schools will take on this sensible method and illiteracy can become history in County Longford.

LCRL provide part funding to pay for a limited number of educational psychological assessments for disadvantaged pupils in primary and post-primary schools in County Longford. Extra educational supports may then be provided by the Department of Education and Skills. The school staff will also be in a position to put into place individual education plans for these students.

LCRL is a member of the Longford/Westmeath Parenting Network. 5 staff members of LCRL have been trained as facilitators of the Triple P Parenting Programme. Together with trained facilitators from other organizations they facilitate a number of Parenting Programmes for parents of 0-12 year olds and for parents of teenagers.

The Lift Off Loan Scheme offers an interest free loan for students from welfare dependent homes. Students from welfare dependent homes are entitled to a full maintenance grant and top up but these grant payments often are not paid out until late October or sometimes November. However, a student may need up to €3,000 in late August or early September in order to secure a college place and to pay for initial costs of accommodation, materials, books, etc.

In response to this problem, LCRL, in conjunction with the Department of Social Protection, operates an interest free 3rd Level Education Loan Scheme to assist such students access third level education. Each year the loans are repaid and the money is available for new students the next year.

For more information please contact Longford Community Resources Ltd at 043-3345555 and ask for the Education Co-ordinator or email at pdeegan@lcrl.ie.