Problem addressed

Corpus Christi Primary School serves the community of Moyross in Limerick, an area that has faced social and economic challenges over time. Many of our pupils have been affected by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and families often require support with mental health, educational engagement, and access to employment.

Accessing therapeutic or family support services can be difficult, with long waiting lists and limited availability locally. For many families, travelling to appointments across the city presents further challenges, particularly when transport or flexibility is limited.

These circumstances highlighted the need for a coordinated, community-based support hub that can respond quickly and effectively to the needs of children, teenagers, and adults. By embedding services within the school setting, the project aims to offer early intervention, reduce stigma, and ensure that families receive the support they need when they need it.

This model is supported by philanthropic and public funding, has been scaled to a second local school, and is backed by academic research and a published Social Return on Investment study.

Innovative solution

The Sky is the Limit addresses these challenges by embedding therapeutic and family supports into the school setting. Through an on-site Family Centre, children and adults can access counselling, psychotherapy, play therapy, music therapy, and mindfulness programmes. A Family Support Worker and Employment Activation Officer ensure wraparound help for families most in need. Two Extended Learning Opportunities Coordinators create structured after-school opportunities for targeted children, reducing risk and increasing engagement. The model uses a shared staffing approach across schools to maximise reach and cost-efficiency, while placing children’s emotional safety and educational potential at the centre.

Key results and benefits

-Over 100 children and 50 adults are receiving regular therapeutic support

-On-site therapy has eliminated long waiting times for families

-Children have improved attendance, wellbeing, and classroom engagement

-Families access faster support for housing, income, and education challenges

-Extended Learning Opportunities Coordinators reach children most at risk

-The school’s Social Return on Investment is 1:9

-The model has expanded to a second school and inspired research

The model has been scaled through the addition of key roles, including a second Extended Learning Opportunities Coordinator and the extension of supports to a neighbouring DEIS primary school. Shared staffing across sites has allowed therapeutic and educational services to reach a wider population while maintaining quality and coherence. The project has also informed broader local strategy and featured in national research, contributing to its influence beyond the original setting.

Potential for mainstreaming

This model offers a replicable and evidence-informed approach for schools in DEIS or other high-need settings. With a coordinated staffing structure that includes therapeutic and extended learning supports, it demonstrates how schools can become hubs of care and connection. While the model has proven impact, as outlined in an independent Social Return on Investment (SROI) report and a published academic case study, securing sustainable funding remains a significant challenge.

Nonetheless, the approach offers valuable learning for policymakers and funders. Through shared staffing arrangements and strong community partnerships, the model has already extended to neighbouring schools. With targeted investment and collaboration at national or philanthropic level, it holds strong potential for adaptation and scale in similar contexts.