Little Oaks EOTAS transformation creates a brighter future for young learners in Derry

The former Groarty Integrated Primary School in Derry has been transformed into the new Little Oaks EOTAS Centre following a two-phase redevelopment, bringing enhanced support to primary-aged pupils.

Education Other Than at School (EOTAS) provides tailored learning support for pupils who cannot attend mainstream school full-time, ensuring they continue to access education in a structured, nurturing environment.

The newly refurbished Little Oaks now boasts two fully functioning classrooms with bespoke calm spaces, a dedicated sensory space, multipurpose room, assembly and canteen area, modern staff room and a secure outdoor play area designed to enhance learning and play.

Little Oaks provides a nurturing, trauma-informed, and structured learning environment where pupils develop their emotional literacy and readiness to learn. The model is collaborative, involving families, schools and professionals to help each child access the full curriculum and realise their holistic potential.

Chief Transformation Officer SEND at the Education Authority, Tomas Adell, who attended the opening, said: “The redevelopment of Little Oaks is a testament to the dedication of our staff and the value we place on supporting children with complex needs. We remain committed to delivering high-quality, inclusive education and Little Oaks stands as a shining example of what can be achieved through collaboration, resilience, and a shared vision for pupil wellbeing.”

(L-R) Pictured at the opening of the new EOTAS Centre in Derry: Gillian Cuthbert, Interim Assistant Director of SEND and Youth at the Education Authority; Mayor of Derry City and Strabane, Ruairí McHugh; Pat Sheehan MLA and Deputy Chair of the Education Committee; Kevin Holly, Senior Teacher at Little Oaks; and Tomas Adell, Chief Officer of SEND and Youth at the Education Authority.

Kevin Holly, Senior Teacher at Little Oaks, said: “We’re absolutely delighted with the upgrades to Little Oaks. The new space provides pupils with a scaled-down version of a mainstream school setting. The purpose of a partnership placements at Little Oaks is to achieve full reintegration back into mainstream education.

"This beautiful learning space gives pupils a genuine sense of identity, purpose and belonging; allowing them to build confidence and develop the skills they need to thrive, so when the time comes to return to mainstream education, they can do so feeling prepared and supported."

“It’s more than just a refurbishment, it’s an investment in their future.”

Primary EOTAS Partnership Placements typically involve pupils attending Little Oaks two days a week and their mainstream school for three, with staff from both settings working together in both SETTINGS to ensure continuity and inclusion. Support in mainstream schools is tailored to individual needs and staffing capacity.

Little Oaks currently supports 11 pupils with partnership placements; alongside providing SBEW support to 47 pupils in their mainstream school setting through the SEND Local Impact Team (LIT).

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The dedicated team of staff based at Little Oaks includes seven Teachers, three Behaviour Support Assistants, two Intervention Officers, one Senior Clerical Officer, Building Supervisor, Senior Teacher and the Derry City LIT Manager.

Since its founding in 1992, Little Oaks has evolved significantly, with major refurbishments completed in early 2025. The reopening marks a new chapter in delivering high-quality, inclusive education for mainstream pupils with SBEW needs.