What are they?

EBSNA Solution Focused Hubs are multidisciplinary collaborative meetings designed to bring together a range of skills and experience to address concerns raised regarding a specific pupil by a school. These meetings take an integrated, asset based and action-oriented approach. By working collaboratively, the team can share knowledge, perspectives and ideas to co-create practical strategies and solutions with settings.

What is the format?

Solution Focused Hubs take place online via MS Teams and last for approximately one hour. The meeting follows the Farouk group consultation model and is led by a facilitator and co-facilitator (Educational Psychology Service). The team is made up of the Educational Psychology Service (EPS), Education Welfare Service (EWS) and Local IMPACT Team (LIT) staff. Following each meeting the co-facilitator will draft an action plan outlining the strategies suggested during the meeting and progress is reviewed after 8 weeks in a follow up 30 minute MS Teams meeting. Please ensure you can commit to both meeting dates before booking.

Availability is extremely limited and spaces will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Successful settings will be contacted via automated email and offered a date and time for their Hub session and follow up review. If your preferred slot is not available we strongly recommend that you join the wait list as spaces may be offered in the event of cancellations. Use of the waiting list function also allows us to capture the demand for this service to enable future planning.

What is my role?

As a referrer you will be invited to share your concerns and experiences regarding the pupil you have in mind and participate in joint solution focused conversations to help identify possible strategies and ideas to create positive change. Participating schools will be asked to complete a short pre-consultation form and evaluation form at the end of the process. No RFI or additional paperwork will be required. This process is suitable for children/young people at all stages of the Code of Practice. However, as no formal referral is required, the name of the pupil will be kept anonymous for the purpose of the Hub meeting. We would encourage schools to seek parental consent as usual as a matter of good practice.

The process is open to Principals, SENCOs, Teachers and Classroom Assistants and the meeting is usually best attended by staff who know the pupil well and are in a position to support change. Although it is not a pre-requisite, we highly recommend attending the EPS EBNSA Primary / Post-Primary training prior to booking a Hub slot.