Barnardo's Children's Bus and Mobile Education Project: Progress Report

Abstract

This report describes the work of Barnardo's Mobile Education Project since its establishment in September 1986. The project consists of two double decker Children's Buses, which have been converted to act as mobile preschool premises. Three staff work on each Bus, a project worker, children's bus assistant and a driver. Another project worker is responsible for setting up a mobile Toy Library and deputising for the project leader in her absence. The project secretary carries out administrative duties, works with the children and participates in the overall work of the project. The project leader is responsible for developing and co-ordinating the work of the project. The growth of the project team, the acquisition of additional resources and the aims of the project are described in this report. Mobile services are not uncommon in Britain, but are relatively rare in Ireland. This report also outlines some of the difficulties as well as the advantages inherent in the provision of such services. Barnardo's have been operating a Children's Bus since 1974. An account of the work undertaken between 1974 - 1986 is presented in Part I of the report. Parts Il and NI detail work completed in the first year of the Mobile Education Project. Apart from those with a special interest in mobile project, it is hoped that this report will be of interest to others working in the preschool area, particularly those involved with the travelling people and with community playgroups.