O'Dowd Outlines Education Vision

Education Minister John O’Dowd has outlined his vision for Northern Ireland’s education system.

"My top priority is to create an education service that ensures that all our young people receive a high quality education. Whilst we have much to be proud of in our education system, with many high achieving young people there are also young people who do not reach their full potential and who leave school with little or no qualifications or skills," he said.

The Minister was speaking as he opened the NI British Psychological Society’s (NIBPS) annual public lecture in Stranmillis.

The Minister said consideration must be given to what happens in the home learning environment.

He said: "Parental involvement and encouragement can have a direct and long-lasting effect on a child’s cognitive, social and emotional development. As we understand more about the importance of positive and supportive environments and their impact on brain development we understand more clearly how the first years can shape the rest of a child’s life and educational outcomes."

The 'Education Works' Campaign was recently launched by the Minister’s Department. It encourages parents to get involved with their child’s education.

"I have continued to increase the investment in early years which, including Sure Start, pre-school and foundation stage, amounts to over £200m per year," he said.

"Families have unprecedented access to funded pre-school provision and there is a commitment in the Programme for Government to ensure that at least one year of pre-school education is available to every family that wants it."

But he added: "While there are still areas for improvement, we should be proud of the general standard of pre-school education in the north and I want to acknowledge the competence, commitment and enthusiasm of all those who work in the early years and wider education sector."

(IT)