Ms Jenny Gannon:

The Deputy's point about some children in some families falling through the cracks, or the potential for this, is definitely something we must consider as a whole. Because we have the service in our school, there are a number of families to whom we can provide a short-term intervention if a family circumstance changes. If there is a separation of if there has been a bereavement or even a diagnosis of a special educational need within a family, we can step in, support the family and then step back out again, whereas in other schools that do not have the HSCL service, what started out as a small problem can escalate and have a huge detrimental effect on the overall education of the children involved. This is something we must look at, together with the opportunities, if they arise, to expand the service. There are families in every school, not just those in marginalised, disadvantaged areas or those that fall under the DEIS scheme, that need extra supports and extra intervention. The HSCL scheme, its longevity and the history that goes with it show that it really is having a hugely beneficial impact, and that impact could be expanded.