Student support teams: perceptions of the nature, scope and function in post-primary education

In recent years, the personal, social and emotional development of students has become a priority area in post primary education. This has been further accentuated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a case study design, this naturalistic study set out to explore perceptions of the function of a Student Support Team (SST), and its role in the provision of a whole school guidance programme in one post-primary school. Semi-structured interviews were completed with members of the SST (n = 6). Findings from this particular case study school suggest that the SST plays an integral role in the whole school guidance programme. However, the delivery of this programme in post-primary education requires a high level of commitment from senior management and a greater understanding from the wider school community. The findings also highlight the need for a more structured approach to the formation and implementation of SSTs within the school. The paper considers some of the implications for policy and practice in the post-primary sector.