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01/12/2004
Gardiner discusses school funding with UUP
Education Minister Barry Gardiner has met with UUP leader David Trimble and a delegation from the Ulster Unionist Party to discuss issues relating to the proposals for a Common Funding Scheme for schools.
Speaking after the meeting, Barry Gardiner said: “The meeting with David Trimble and a number of delegates was extremely useful. In discussion, they suggested that the Department explores a number of areas which could provide a more robust base for future distributions under the TSN factor. The Department will consider these proposals.”
Mr Gardiner said that he understood concerns, particularly with regard to schools with relative reductions in their budgets, but stressed that the proposals were aimed at ensuring similar schools receive similar levels of funding, irrespective of their Board area or management type. Key elements include a strong focus on tackling social disadvantage and low educational attainment, as well as proposals that make further progress on narrowing the funding differential between primary and post-primary schools.
He assured the group that he was willing to listen to all views which supported the aims of Common Funding and promoted a fairer, consistent and transparent system for funding schools.
Acknowledging the commitment given by the devolved administration, the Minister said: “I share the view, previously expressed by the NI Executive under devolution, that it is right to move to a common system.
"I would like to see a more equitable and transparent system for distributing funding to schools in place for the next financial year and will be carefully considering the views of schools, representatives and the education partner bodies, before making my final decisions.”
(SP)
Speaking after the meeting, Barry Gardiner said: “The meeting with David Trimble and a number of delegates was extremely useful. In discussion, they suggested that the Department explores a number of areas which could provide a more robust base for future distributions under the TSN factor. The Department will consider these proposals.”
Mr Gardiner said that he understood concerns, particularly with regard to schools with relative reductions in their budgets, but stressed that the proposals were aimed at ensuring similar schools receive similar levels of funding, irrespective of their Board area or management type. Key elements include a strong focus on tackling social disadvantage and low educational attainment, as well as proposals that make further progress on narrowing the funding differential between primary and post-primary schools.
He assured the group that he was willing to listen to all views which supported the aims of Common Funding and promoted a fairer, consistent and transparent system for funding schools.
Acknowledging the commitment given by the devolved administration, the Minister said: “I share the view, previously expressed by the NI Executive under devolution, that it is right to move to a common system.
"I would like to see a more equitable and transparent system for distributing funding to schools in place for the next financial year and will be carefully considering the views of schools, representatives and the education partner bodies, before making my final decisions.”
(SP)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Clear intervals and occasional wintry showers this evening with local fresh snowfalls and some ice. Overnight as winds ease showers will die back to northern coastal areas. Frosty. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
