Menu
23/02/2023
Fundamental Overhaul Of Education Funding Needed – DUP
The DUP has called for a fundamental overhaul of the NI's education funding, following a meeting between the party's Education Spokesperson Diane Dodds and Mark Browne, Permanent Secretary of the Department of Education and Gary Fair, the Director of Finance.
The Upper Bann MLA said: "Every day we trust our teachers to educate and care for our children. There needs to be a fair pay settlement for teachers. However, the financial pressures go much deeper and will require a fundamental overhaul of education funding.
"Over the last ten years pupil numbers have continued to increase, particularly for SEN pupils, but the funding has not matched this. Spend per pupil in Northern Ireland has been the lowest of the four UK jurisdictions for over a decade and remains 5.5% less than the UK average.
"The funding for SEN services is a prime example of the need for change when Ministers have continually been reliant upon re-allocation through monitoring rounds to fund this core service. School leaders do a fantastic job with limited resources, but education requires a proper baseline funding to properly deliver for our children and young people."
The Upper Bann MLA said: "Every day we trust our teachers to educate and care for our children. There needs to be a fair pay settlement for teachers. However, the financial pressures go much deeper and will require a fundamental overhaul of education funding.
"Over the last ten years pupil numbers have continued to increase, particularly for SEN pupils, but the funding has not matched this. Spend per pupil in Northern Ireland has been the lowest of the four UK jurisdictions for over a decade and remains 5.5% less than the UK average.
"The funding for SEN services is a prime example of the need for change when Ministers have continually been reliant upon re-allocation through monitoring rounds to fund this core service. School leaders do a fantastic job with limited resources, but education requires a proper baseline funding to properly deliver for our children and young people."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 March 2013
Low Paid Staff In Education Sector To Receive £250
Education Minister, John O'Dowd, has made funding available to allow payments of £250 to be made to low paid staff in the education sector. The payments, for staff earning less than £21,000 a year, reflected the decision across the public sector to provide additional payments to low paid staff at a time when a pay freeze was effective.
Low Paid Staff In Education Sector To Receive £250
Education Minister, John O'Dowd, has made funding available to allow payments of £250 to be made to low paid staff in the education sector. The payments, for staff earning less than £21,000 a year, reflected the decision across the public sector to provide additional payments to low paid staff at a time when a pay freeze was effective.
21 January 2013
'Too Much Spent On Small Schools' - Panel
A review into the funding of schools in Northern Ireland has found that too much is being spent on keeping smaller schools open, while disadvantaged pupils are being neglected. Education Minister John O'Dowd has welcomed the review.
'Too Much Spent On Small Schools' - Panel
A review into the funding of schools in Northern Ireland has found that too much is being spent on keeping smaller schools open, while disadvantaged pupils are being neglected. Education Minister John O'Dowd has welcomed the review.
23 August 2018
Call For Entire Education System In NI To Be Reviewed
The Alliance Party and SDLP are calling for the entire education system in Northern Ireland to be reviewed after it was revealed that the Education Authority (EA) considered taking away all school crossing patrols.
Call For Entire Education System In NI To Be Reviewed
The Alliance Party and SDLP are calling for the entire education system in Northern Ireland to be reviewed after it was revealed that the Education Authority (EA) considered taking away all school crossing patrols.
20 November 2013
Higher Education Contributes £1bn Annually
Northern Ireland's higher education institutions contribute almost £1bn annually to the economy, according to Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry.
Higher Education Contributes £1bn Annually
Northern Ireland's higher education institutions contribute almost £1bn annually to the economy, according to Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry.
23 January 2023
Proposed Education Budget Cuts Would 'Decimate' Sector – UUP
A proposed budget cut of £110 million from NI's education services would "decimate an already stretched sector and place some of our most vulnerable children at unconscionable risk", UUP Education spokesperson and Deputy Leader Robbie Butler has said.
Proposed Education Budget Cuts Would 'Decimate' Sector – UUP
A proposed budget cut of £110 million from NI's education services would "decimate an already stretched sector and place some of our most vulnerable children at unconscionable risk", UUP Education spokesperson and Deputy Leader Robbie Butler has said.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with outbreaks of mainly light rain at times, although there may be the odd heavier burst. Driest in the south and east during the afternoon. Moderate southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Staying cloudy throughout the evening and overnight period with a little rain or drizzle at times. Mild overnight with light winds. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
