Susan Vallelly

Leading a Primary Partnership

Derryhale PS & St. Oliver Plunkett's PS

Derryhale PS and St. Oliver Plunkett’s PS are both small, rural schools located outside Portadown. They have been partnered for the past twelve years, taking part in a variety of Shared Education projects and initiatives.

Staff, pupils and the wider community have benefitted from a range of teaching and learning experiences through this collaboration and as a partnership they continue to evaluate the needs of both school communities when planning for the future.

Susan is currently the Shared Education Coordinator and has had many years’ experience in this role. Susan is responsible for the planning, delivery, monitoring and evaluation of Shared Education.


Key Learning

When considering ways to develop your Shared Education Partnership

  • Recognise the importance of building relationships and trust through regular staff contact

  • Involve the pupils when shaping Shared Education Programmes

  • Connect with Parents and the Wider Community to inform them of the work that is ongoing and the impact it is having


Questions to consider when developing a Shared Education Partnership

  1. Have you established professional relationships with all staff from your Partner School(s)?

  2. Are Boards of Governors and School Leaders incorporating Shared Education within the School Development Plans?

  3. Is the Pupil Voice visible within the planning, implementation and evaluation of Shared Education?

  4. Has the partnership informed the parents and the wider community of ongoing activity and events?

Supporting Materials

1. A Pupil Pathway: A Resource for Teachers to Support Shared Education

2. Developing Shared Education: A Framework for School Partnerships

3. Joint Practice Development: A Menu for Schools, Partnerships & Clusters

A_Pupil_Pathway_Shared_Education.pdf
ETi_Self-Evaluation_Framework.pdf
Joint Practice Development Menu.pdf

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