Menu
18/10/2012
O'Dowd Outlines Education Vision
Education Minister John O’Dowd has outlined his vision for Northern Ireland’s education system.
"My top priority is to create an education service that ensures that all our young people receive a high quality education. Whilst we have much to be proud of in our education system, with many high achieving young people there are also young people who do not reach their full potential and who leave school with little or no qualifications or skills," he said.
The Minister was speaking as he opened the NI British Psychological Society’s (NIBPS) annual public lecture in Stranmillis.
The Minister said consideration must be given to what happens in the home learning environment.
He said: "Parental involvement and encouragement can have a direct and long-lasting effect on a child’s cognitive, social and emotional development. As we understand more about the importance of positive and supportive environments and their impact on brain development we understand more clearly how the first years can shape the rest of a child’s life and educational outcomes."
The 'Education Works' Campaign was recently launched by the Minister’s Department. It encourages parents to get involved with their child’s education.
"I have continued to increase the investment in early years which, including Sure Start, pre-school and foundation stage, amounts to over £200m per year," he said.
"Families have unprecedented access to funded pre-school provision and there is a commitment in the Programme for Government to ensure that at least one year of pre-school education is available to every family that wants it."
But he added: "While there are still areas for improvement, we should be proud of the general standard of pre-school education in the north and I want to acknowledge the competence, commitment and enthusiasm of all those who work in the early years and wider education sector."
(IT)
"My top priority is to create an education service that ensures that all our young people receive a high quality education. Whilst we have much to be proud of in our education system, with many high achieving young people there are also young people who do not reach their full potential and who leave school with little or no qualifications or skills," he said.
The Minister was speaking as he opened the NI British Psychological Society’s (NIBPS) annual public lecture in Stranmillis.
The Minister said consideration must be given to what happens in the home learning environment.
He said: "Parental involvement and encouragement can have a direct and long-lasting effect on a child’s cognitive, social and emotional development. As we understand more about the importance of positive and supportive environments and their impact on brain development we understand more clearly how the first years can shape the rest of a child’s life and educational outcomes."
The 'Education Works' Campaign was recently launched by the Minister’s Department. It encourages parents to get involved with their child’s education.
"I have continued to increase the investment in early years which, including Sure Start, pre-school and foundation stage, amounts to over £200m per year," he said.
"Families have unprecedented access to funded pre-school provision and there is a commitment in the Programme for Government to ensure that at least one year of pre-school education is available to every family that wants it."
But he added: "While there are still areas for improvement, we should be proud of the general standard of pre-school education in the north and I want to acknowledge the competence, commitment and enthusiasm of all those who work in the early years and wider education sector."
(IT)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
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.
18 February 2016
Education Minister Highlights Importance Of Pre-School Education
Education Minister John O'Dowd has highlighted the importance of pre-school education during a visit to Forkhill Pre-School Playgroup in County Armagh. During the visit, the minister was given a tour of the playground by pupils of the school.
Education Minister Highlights Importance Of Pre-School Education
Education Minister John O'Dowd has highlighted the importance of pre-school education during a visit to Forkhill Pre-School Playgroup in County Armagh. During the visit, the minister was given a tour of the playground by pupils of the school.
23 April 2012
£6m To Be Spent On Pre-School Education Over The Next Three Years
Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson Daithi McKay MLA has welcomed the Education Ministers announcement that an extra £6 million will be spend on pre-school education over the next three years.
£6m To Be Spent On Pre-School Education Over The Next Three Years
Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson Daithi McKay MLA has welcomed the Education Ministers announcement that an extra £6 million will be spend on pre-school education over the next three years.
10 May 2024
Fourth Advancing Shared Education Report Presented To The Assembly
Education Minister, Paul Givan has presented the fourth Advancing Shared Education report to the Assembly. The latest report follows earlier versions laid in 2018, 2020 and 2022, and covers the period April 2022 to March 2024.
Fourth Advancing Shared Education Report Presented To The Assembly
Education Minister, Paul Givan has presented the fourth Advancing Shared Education report to the Assembly. The latest report follows earlier versions laid in 2018, 2020 and 2022, and covers the period April 2022 to March 2024.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
