Education Minister welcomes publication of NEELB post-primary proposals
EDUCATION Minister John O’Dowd has welcomed the publication of proposals aimed at changing the pattern of post-primary provision in the North Eastern Education and Library Board.
The proposals, covering some of the schools in the Antrim/Ballymena, Newtownabbey and Coleraine areas, were published on Friday for public consultation.
Welcoming the move, Mr O’Dowd said: “Earlier this year I asked each of the Education and Library Boards, working with CCMS and other sectors, to map out the shape of future education provision in their areas. I want to create a network of strong, viable schools built around the need to ensure every child has access to high quality education.
“[This] publication by the NEELB of proposals for three areas is a welcome first step in that process. Much hard work has been undertaken to get us to this point and I am pleased with the progress made to date.
“These proposals have been published in advance of the wider NEELB plan given issues that exist in each of these areas that need addressed as a matter of urgency. I expect the complete plan for the wider NEELB area which will cover all schools to be published for consultation in early July, and today’s document will form part of that larger plan.”
The Minister has asked for all Education and Library Boards to publish their draft post-primary area plans for public consultation in early July. The public will have the opportunity to comment on the plans until October. By the end of the year final area plans will be published and the work will begin on shaping the future schools’ estate.
The Minister continued: “I would urge parents, pupils and the public to consider these proposals fully and those that will follow for other areas in the near future. I want an estate shaped by the needs of our young people, not the needs of institutions, and I do not want this debate to be dominated by those who are afraid of change.
“Every child deserves high quality education and I am determined through the process of area planning that we will a have a network of strong viable schools delivering high quality education for all pupils.”
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Weather for Antrim
Monday 20 May 2013
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