Ruane tells unions education is changing for the better

The North’s Education Minister Caitríona Ruane has told the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) that education is changing for the better.

The Minister was speaking at the NAHT local conference held recently in Armagh. The Minister said: “The conference theme of ‘Education Administration at a Time of Change’ is appropriate as I have just put transitional arrangements in place for the period up to the establishment of the Education and Skills Authority. It is essential that we begin streamlining the administration of education to deliver the efficiencies needed during this time of scarce resources.

“We are in an atmosphere of improved political stability and renewed optimism. In the short life of the political institutions there has been an enormous focus on education. I am driving a programme of reforms to change the face of education for the better.

“Equality is the cornerstone of our new education system and at the heart of all my policies. My equality agenda included developing new arrangements to allow children to transfer to post-primary schools without the use of academic selection. The 11 plus has gone and there will be no return to any other such academic testing as part of our transfer procedures.”

The Minister also updated conference delegates on the review of Irish-medium education, the capital build programme, area based planning, the review of Special Educational Needs and Inclusion, the Entitlement Framework and the Literacy and Numeracy Strategy.

The Minister said: “Since May 2007 over £500 million has been invested in major new schools projects with many more at various stages of planning. To ensure all are consistent with the overall policy framework I have initiated a review, which will include ensuring we meet our duties on equality and targeting on the basis of objective need.”

The Minister addressed a number of issues highlighted by teacher unions, including the use of substitute cover in schools and the importance of strong leadership in schools. Minister Ruane said: “My Department has advised schools that retired teachers should only be re-employed to provide short term cover where newly qualified teachers or experienced non-retired teachers are unavailable.

“One of the driving forces in education is the strength of leadership in our schools and I would pay tribute to all who have such a vital influence on all our children and young people.”