McGuinness highlights role of parents in education

Education Minister, Martin McGuinness has spoken out about the "key role" of parents in the education process, highlighting the vital contribution of parents to the ongoing Review of Post Primary Education.

Addressing the annual congress of the National Parents Association for Vocational Schools and Community Colleges (NPAVSCC) in Co Cavan, Mr McGuinness described the role that parents play in helping their children progress successfully up the educational ladder as "extremely important" - a role which, he said, had long been recognised by the NPAVSCC in its work to co-ordinate and represent the views of parents on key issues.

The Minister stated: “The issue of selection is the single most important education issue we face, and it is parents who have to deal with the consequences of the current selective system – the stress and anxiety of preparing children for tests, and the disappointment and sense of failure for the majority of children who do not achieve a grammar school place."

Mr McGuinness then outlined the steps his department had taken to provide an inclusive environment for parents to air their opinions, which included a series of information seminars where Post Primary Principals and Governors could convey information through discussions, and the forthcoming launch of a consultation pack, to facilitate further discussions both within schools and among parents outside the school setting.

The Minister continued: “I will also issue a household response form to every single household in mid-May, explaining the proposals, answering frequently asked questions and enabling a response on the key issues to be returned to my Department by Freepost.

“The consultation is designed to ensure that parents and the wider public have the information necessary to make an informed response to the consultation. I have endeavoured to empower the wider public, including parents, to contribute their views to the decision making process on this very important issue.”

The Review of Post Primary Education, which was published in October last year, is available for viewing on the Department of Education website at www.deni.gov.uk and consultation closes on June 28 2002.

(CL)