NI Commissioner for Children and Young People pays a visit to Arvalee School

ARVALEE School, Omagh, recently welcomed Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, Chris Quinn, recognising the school’s commitment to championing children’s rights and celebrating every pupil’s voice.

During his visit, Mr Quinn met with pupils and staff, praising the culture of respect and empowerment that runs through the school.

“Meeting the children of Arvalee and hearing them express their rights in their own ways was truly inspirational,” he said. 2It was wonderful to see staff standing alongside them, supporting pupils to advocate for themselves, and making sure their voices are heard.

“Children’s rights must not only live in classrooms, but at every level of community and government. Arvalee shows us what that looks like in practice. I leave with a challenge to take their words to the policy maker.”

Arvalee pupils are remarkable. For some, even the simple act of communicating their needs can be difficult.

At times, behaviour becomes an expression of the anxieties they carry - a way of communicating what cannot easily be put into words.

At Arvalee, staff meet these moments with patience and compassion, recognising them as opportunities to listen more closely and to advocate for every child’s right to be understood.

Seeing the brilliance in every child is what defines Arvalee. Not everyone outside the school may immediately recognise it, but here it is never overlooked. Staff, families, and pupils together ensure that light is seen, celebrated, and allowed to grow.

“I love coming to Arvalee. The staff support us all and make school a place where we can be ourselves, learn, and enjoy being with our friends. Here, I feel listened to and part of the community - but I know not every young person always gets to feel like that. That’s why what this school does really matters,” said head boy, Matthew O’Donnell.

Two other students expressed directly to the Commissioner that many people outside of school do not understand their needs. They told him how this lack of understanding can make them feel down, and how others often fail to see the daily challenges they face.

Their honesty highlighted both the difficulties young people can encounter and the importance of Arvalee’s role in advocacy- ensuring pupils’ voices are heard not only in school, but in the wider community and by government.

“It is so important for our pupils to have their say in a safe place, where they know they are listened to and respected. Often their behaviour can come from anxieties or challenges that others don’t see, and here those moments are understood, not judged. When children are given that chance, they grow in confidence and help others to better understand their lives and experiences,” said head girl, Colleen Heena.

Staff member, Geoff Laird, Shared Education and Inclusion coordinator and Staff Governor representative, added: “The pupils come with their challenges, but the care and focus is always on doing what is right for the child. That is what drives every decision we make.”

Families spoke warmly of their trust in the school.

Parent and Governor, Fionnfola McCallum, said: “My child loves the school. From the moment they arrive, they are cared for, encouraged, and truly understood. Most importantly, he feels safe here and part of a family where he can grow. Arvalee is a community that understands the challenges each child faces, and that makes all the difference for us as parents.”

Other parents echoed this, stating that their children are always at the centre of all that happens in Arvalee.

They described how staff consistently “go the second mile” to support pupils, ensuring every child is given opportunities to flourish.

Arvalee is also part of the Strule Shared Education Campus, linking with five other schools so pupils can learn and grow alongside their peers.

These connections break down barriers, encourage friendships and build a community where every child is valued.

Looking to the future, Arvalee continues to develop opportunities for pupils to learn with their peers, to be supported in regulating their emotions, and to reduce anxieties that can make school life more difficult.

These experiences help children grow in confidence and independence and ensure they are fully part of their community.

Principal Jonathan Gray said: “Everything we do at Arvalee begins with the child. Our focus is always on creating the best possible environment for them to learn, feel safe, and be understood.

“That means supporting our staff so they can give every pupil the care, opportunities, and understanding they deserve. At times, staff may not immediately see the impact they make, but we believe in them — and when they are supported, the pupils shine brighter. At the core of our work is a simple truth: if it’s not for the child, it’s not for Arvalee.”

“We are building a future where every child has the opportunity to learn with peers, have their individual needs supported, and feel a deep sense of belonging in their community.

"None of this would be possible without the wonderful support of parents and families, the community that has stood behind the school, and - most of all - the pupils themselves, who are exceptional in every way."