Barnardos OASIS Programme

The overall outcome of OASIS (Opportunities Assisting Staying in School) is to support young people to achieve their full potential in all areas of learning and development with specific emphasis on preventing early school leaving.

We work towards enabling young people who are at risk of leaving school early to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes to enable them to remain in, and participate more effectively in school. It is hoped that through participation in the programme the young person will reach their full potential both academically and socially, and also that the barriers to school attendance will be reduced.

Programme

All work within OASIS is underpinned by a youth-centred, accessible and responsive approach. The service offers a mix of formal and informal education and learning opportunities. Staff work to create a relaxed but purposeful atmosphere which allows for the sharing of control, enabling young people to feel listened to and valued. Staff work hard to establish trust, promoting open and honest communication with young people and families. The service promotes age appropriate behaviours and uses confidence-building techniques.

Afterschool Sessions

Sessions take place at school finish time for 1.5 hours (twice weekly)

Homework (30-40 minutes)

• Supporting and encouraging young people to complete homework
• Enhance development of knowledge and learning
• Scaffolding learning re: structuring and routine of homework

Snack-time (20 minutes)

• Encourage healthy eating and a balanced diet by supporting young people to prepare own food (sandwiches, wraps, fruit and drink)
• Building skills for positive social interaction and self-regulation
• Establishing boundaries and promoting positive behavior
• Turn-taking and developing consideration of others

Activity Time (20-30 minutes)

• Range of indoors and outdoors activities that reflect a wide range of interests. For example, arts and crafts, cooking and baking, board-games, team activities (e.g. tent-building), various sports activities (e.g. football, skipping)

The OASIS programme also has the support of two volunteers who kindly give up their own personal time to work alongside the project workers two afternoons a week for the whole academic year. The commitment and input from both of these volunteers is invaluable as each volunteer brings their own unique personality, skills and life experience to the programme which in turn enriches the experiences the children have throughout each session.