18/06/2019
Consultation On Newcomer Pupils Opens
The Department of Education is seeking views on the current Supporting Newcomer Pupils policy for students who experience a language barrier while in school.
The term 'Newcomer Pupil', which accounts for around 4.4% of the school population in Northern Ireland, refers to those who speak a different language at home than in the classroom or who need extra help to understand the language used in their school.
The policy covers language support and assistance for around 16,000 pupils and has been in place since 2009.
A Departmental spokesperson said: "There has been an increase in the number and diversity of Newcomer pupils in our schools. We need to know if our policy still meets the needs of these pupils, and what changes we could make to ensure these young people thrive and reach their full potential.
"We welcome all views on how this goal can be achieved but would particularly value comments from current and former Newcomer pupils, their parents and guardians, schools and individual teachers working with Newcomers; and from stakeholders and community organisations actively working to support these families."
At the end of this consultation, policy development work will continue and will be informed by the views expressed during the consultation. This will allow an incoming Minister to take informed decisions on any changes to the Newcomer policy.
Launched today, Tuesday 18 June, opinions will be welcomed until Tuesday 15 October. The consultation document and response booklet are available on the DE website.
(JG/CM)
The term 'Newcomer Pupil', which accounts for around 4.4% of the school population in Northern Ireland, refers to those who speak a different language at home than in the classroom or who need extra help to understand the language used in their school.
The policy covers language support and assistance for around 16,000 pupils and has been in place since 2009.
A Departmental spokesperson said: "There has been an increase in the number and diversity of Newcomer pupils in our schools. We need to know if our policy still meets the needs of these pupils, and what changes we could make to ensure these young people thrive and reach their full potential.
"We welcome all views on how this goal can be achieved but would particularly value comments from current and former Newcomer pupils, their parents and guardians, schools and individual teachers working with Newcomers; and from stakeholders and community organisations actively working to support these families."
At the end of this consultation, policy development work will continue and will be informed by the views expressed during the consultation. This will allow an incoming Minister to take informed decisions on any changes to the Newcomer policy.
Launched today, Tuesday 18 June, opinions will be welcomed until Tuesday 15 October. The consultation document and response booklet are available on the DE website.
(JG/CM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 March 2018
Schools Closures Across NI
The Department of Education have published a list of all schools across that have confirmed they will be closed today, Friday 2nd March, 2018 due to the adverse weather conditions.
Schools Closures Across NI
The Department of Education have published a list of all schools across that have confirmed they will be closed today, Friday 2nd March, 2018 due to the adverse weather conditions.
14 October 2024
New Pre-school Toolkit For Diversity Launched
A new online toolkit to help pre-school providers support newcomer children and their families living in Northern Ireland, has been launched by Education Minister Paul Givan. The toolkit has been developed by the Education Authority's Intercultural Education Service in partnership with pre-school settings.
New Pre-school Toolkit For Diversity Launched
A new online toolkit to help pre-school providers support newcomer children and their families living in Northern Ireland, has been launched by Education Minister Paul Givan. The toolkit has been developed by the Education Authority's Intercultural Education Service in partnership with pre-school settings.
12 June 2007
‘School Watch’ launched by primary school pupils
Children from Acorn Integrated Primary School in Carrickfergus have today helped launch a new initiative to protect school property from vandals. ‘School Watch’ has been developed by the Policing Board, PSNI and the Northern Ireland Office Community Safety Unit.
‘School Watch’ launched by primary school pupils
Children from Acorn Integrated Primary School in Carrickfergus have today helped launch a new initiative to protect school property from vandals. ‘School Watch’ has been developed by the Policing Board, PSNI and the Northern Ireland Office Community Safety Unit.
23 August 2024
BCC Consultation On Draft Irish Language Policy
Belfast City Council has announced a new public consultation on their new draft Irish language policy. The draft policy sets out how the council plans to promote Irish and use Irish across its services, including interpreting and translation, key documents and publications, signage at facilities, on the council website belfastcity.gov.
BCC Consultation On Draft Irish Language Policy
Belfast City Council has announced a new public consultation on their new draft Irish language policy. The draft policy sets out how the council plans to promote Irish and use Irish across its services, including interpreting and translation, key documents and publications, signage at facilities, on the council website belfastcity.gov.
20 September 2001
Province welcomes 140 foreign language students
The province’s schools are to welcome 140 foreign language students, representing 11 countries worldwide. Appointed as Modern Language Assistants to schools and colleges throughout Northern Ireland, the students are arriving from as far away as Mexico, Peru and Québec as well as from locations closer to home such as Donegal and Limerick.
Province welcomes 140 foreign language students
The province’s schools are to welcome 140 foreign language students, representing 11 countries worldwide. Appointed as Modern Language Assistants to schools and colleges throughout Northern Ireland, the students are arriving from as far away as Mexico, Peru and Québec as well as from locations closer to home such as Donegal and Limerick.