Education Minister Outlines Response To Independent Review

Education Minister Paul Givan has unveiled his department's response to the Independent Review of Education in Northern Ireland. The comprehensive review, led by Professor Michael Barber, presented 25 key recommendations and 106 areas for action to improve the education system.

Minister Givan emphasised the importance of the review's findings and the need for urgent action to address the challenges facing education in Northern Ireland. He highlighted key areas for reform, including early years provision, curriculum and qualifications, area planning, and special educational needs (SEN) support.

The minister outlined his department's plans to implement the recommendations, which include increased investment in early years education, a review of the curriculum and qualifications system, and improved area planning to ensure equitable access to education resources. He also pledged to prioritise the development of a more inclusive and supportive education system for students with SEN.

Speaking in the Assembly today the Minister said: "The Independent Review is very clear in its key recommendations and action points, to reform our education system. I wish to express my immense gratitude to each member of the review panel for their tremendous effort and dedication in carrying out this comprehensive review.

"The watchword of the review is reform, and today I am drawing on the report to set out my immediate priorities."

The Minister continued: "In line with the panel’s recommendation and subject to Executive agreement, I intend to legislate to ensure that all children remain in education or training until they are 18 years old. "By mandating education or training until 18, we can create a minimum offer for all young people, particularly our most vulnerable, ensuring they have equity of opportunity and a structured pathway of support and guidance."

He added: "My priority is for a sustained evidence-based approach to improvement of the education system focused on the core areas of curriculum. That includes, assessment, qualifications, and school improvements, as well as tackling educational disadvantage. Reform in each of these areas is critical and will be underpinned by investment in high quality professional development for our valued workforce.

"Over coming weeks, I will publish a clear and cohesive strategy for education, that sets out in detail my plans for education transformation."

The Review identified an annual gap of £155m to address the per-pupil funding gap with England and Wales and a further £136m shortfall related to higher levels of learners with a statement of educational need.

Addressing the need for greater investment in education the Minister added: "Real-term cuts over recent years have had a lasting and detrimental impact on our young learners.

"I am determined to reverse the legacy of historic underfunding. Investment in the education sector is crucial to building a prosperous and sustainable future. It is the foundation of all economic, social and political development. As an Executive and Assembly, we are not just investing in the present but securing the future for generations to come."

The Minister concluded: "Education is the cornerstone of our society.  It shapes the future of all of our children, our communities and our economy. It is time to invest in a better future. Children and young people deserve nothing less."