| dc.description.abstract | The primary motivation for this study was to explore ways of attending to the increasing needs of students, including physical, emotional, social needs and learning difficulties. Attention was focused on school-based assistance. A teacher support team, based on the health promoting schools concept, was investigated in this regard. This investigation was conducted at a semi - rural primary school. Qualitative
methodology was employed to illicit information regarding the provision of education support services, the initiation, development and operation of the teacher support team and the further development of the team. The case study method was utilized. Information was obtained via interviews, documents and focus group discussions. Research findings indicate a coordinating body akin to a teacher support team. The multidisciplinary team comprises of group leaders engaged in a collaborative approach in attending to student needs. The team attempts to address the academic, social, psychological and physical health problems of the students at their school, by working intersectorally with various departments and organisations linked to the school and the community. The entire staff is involved in the groups
and members are united in terms of a common goal namely, the development of a health promoting school. The focus is on preventive and promotive actions while curative assistance is offered as well. The study shows how a teacher support team can offer an economical human
resource in the provision of physical, social, emotional and academic support to the school community. It is recommended that traditional forms of school-based assistance be reviewed in terms of how teacher support teams can facilitate the development of a health promoting school. | en_US |
