Menu
20/08/2003
UUP delegation meets Education Minister
An Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) delegation has expressed its continuing concerns over post primary education during a meeting with the NIO Education Minister Jane Kennedy yesterday.
UUP Education spokesmen Danny Kennedy and Ken Robinson also pressed the minister on topics such as academic selection and plans for a common curriculum. Both men also expressed the need for an end to the seemingly constant cycle of consultation in education stating that teachers, parents and other groups are suffering from what they said was "consultation fatigue".
In a statement read out following the meeting, and on the day that many students throughout Northern Ireland received their GCSE results, Mr Kennedy said: "Regarding post primary education I asked the minister for a status report on where things stand with the working group looking into post primary provision. I expressed my view that it was important that the timetable would be met.
"I also reminded the Minister that 64% of parents favour retention of some form of academic selection."
Mr Robinson added: "I pressed the Minister on nursery and pre-school provision particularly with a view to extending the free places schemes.
"Also alarming is the number of young teachers leaving college who are unable to get full-time teaching jobs in Northern Ireland. I put it to the Minister that we could guarantee the use of teachers if we established task forces dedicated to deprived areas."
Jane Kennedy described the meeting as constructive but said that any decision on future post-primary arrangements would not be taken until she had considered the Working Group’s advice.
However, the Minister did agree to take on board the points raised by both men.
(MB)
UUP Education spokesmen Danny Kennedy and Ken Robinson also pressed the minister on topics such as academic selection and plans for a common curriculum. Both men also expressed the need for an end to the seemingly constant cycle of consultation in education stating that teachers, parents and other groups are suffering from what they said was "consultation fatigue".
In a statement read out following the meeting, and on the day that many students throughout Northern Ireland received their GCSE results, Mr Kennedy said: "Regarding post primary education I asked the minister for a status report on where things stand with the working group looking into post primary provision. I expressed my view that it was important that the timetable would be met.
"I also reminded the Minister that 64% of parents favour retention of some form of academic selection."
Mr Robinson added: "I pressed the Minister on nursery and pre-school provision particularly with a view to extending the free places schemes.
"Also alarming is the number of young teachers leaving college who are unable to get full-time teaching jobs in Northern Ireland. I put it to the Minister that we could guarantee the use of teachers if we established task forces dedicated to deprived areas."
Jane Kennedy described the meeting as constructive but said that any decision on future post-primary arrangements would not be taken until she had considered the Working Group’s advice.
However, the Minister did agree to take on board the points raised by both men.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 April 2024
Education Minister Welcomes Progress On Teacher's Pay
Education Minister, Paul Givan, has welcomed further progress on a pay settlement for teachers following the Department of Finance's approval of the pay award. All five recognised teachers' unions (INTO, NAHT, NASUWT, NEU, UTU) have signalled their acceptance of the teachers' pay offer for 2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24.
Education Minister Welcomes Progress On Teacher's Pay
Education Minister, Paul Givan, has welcomed further progress on a pay settlement for teachers following the Department of Finance's approval of the pay award. All five recognised teachers' unions (INTO, NAHT, NASUWT, NEU, UTU) have signalled their acceptance of the teachers' pay offer for 2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24.
02 February 2016
NASUWT Rejects Pay Offer
NI's largest teachers' union has rejected a pay offer for teachers and principals. The offer to the NASUWT was made by the management side of the Teachers Negotiating Committee (TNC). The offer continues the year-on-year cuts to teachers' pay. The NASUWT is calling for an across the board above inflation cost of living award.
NASUWT Rejects Pay Offer
NI's largest teachers' union has rejected a pay offer for teachers and principals. The offer to the NASUWT was made by the management side of the Teachers Negotiating Committee (TNC). The offer continues the year-on-year cuts to teachers' pay. The NASUWT is calling for an across the board above inflation cost of living award.
21 September 2011
O'Dowd Hits Back On Classroom Jobs
Fears over an apparent lack of job opportunities for newly qualified teachers have been in focus this week. It has been claimed that as many as 95% of new teachers are unable to secure full time jobs. That's according to a DUP MLA who underlined the claim when MLAs debated the concerns over the number of new teachers at Stormont.
O'Dowd Hits Back On Classroom Jobs
Fears over an apparent lack of job opportunities for newly qualified teachers have been in focus this week. It has been claimed that as many as 95% of new teachers are unable to secure full time jobs. That's according to a DUP MLA who underlined the claim when MLAs debated the concerns over the number of new teachers at Stormont.
05 September 2005
Attack on Limavady primary school condemned
Education Minister Angela Smith has condemned an arson attack on Roe Valley Integrated Primary School, Limavady, Co Londonderry. The Minister said: “This attack is completely unacceptable and without justification.
Attack on Limavady primary school condemned
Education Minister Angela Smith has condemned an arson attack on Roe Valley Integrated Primary School, Limavady, Co Londonderry. The Minister said: “This attack is completely unacceptable and without justification.
16 January 2002
Education Minister honours award-winning teachers
Education Minister, Martin McGuinness has congratulated three local award-winning teachers for their use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in education.
Education Minister honours award-winning teachers
Education Minister, Martin McGuinness has congratulated three local award-winning teachers for their use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in education.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Perhaps a touch of ground frost. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
