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14/08/2024
Alliance Outlines New Budget Measures For NI's Education System
The Alliance Party has outlined a number of key measures it has urged to the Education Minister to explore in order to deliver more effective funding of NI's education system.
The party's education spokesperson, Nick Mathison, made the call following reports that three quarters of schools in Northern Ireland could face budget deficits this year without access to more funding.
The Strangford MLA has said: "It is of course a challenging budgetary position for all departments, but the Education Minister must commit to exploring what measures can be taken in order to appropriately resource our schools, and deliver the best possible education for our children and young people.
"Assessing and addressing the true cost of maintaining our divided education system, for example, is crucial, despite the minister having previously confirmed to me he has no plans to take this forward.
"These measures should also include looking at the sustainability of our whole school estate, asking ourselves if we have the right number of schools and critically, in the right place to meet communities' needs. A blueprint for how to take this forward was clearly set out in the Independent Review of Education.
"In addition, if the minister wants to ensure schools are funded adequately and equitably, he must also prioritise reviewing the common funding formula without delay.
"These are only a few examples, but, underpinning it all, the Department of Education must commit to engaging more openly and effectively with school leaders in order to understand what they need in terms of resources, so we can deliver the first-class education our children deserve."
The party's education spokesperson, Nick Mathison, made the call following reports that three quarters of schools in Northern Ireland could face budget deficits this year without access to more funding.
The Strangford MLA has said: "It is of course a challenging budgetary position for all departments, but the Education Minister must commit to exploring what measures can be taken in order to appropriately resource our schools, and deliver the best possible education for our children and young people.
"Assessing and addressing the true cost of maintaining our divided education system, for example, is crucial, despite the minister having previously confirmed to me he has no plans to take this forward.
"These measures should also include looking at the sustainability of our whole school estate, asking ourselves if we have the right number of schools and critically, in the right place to meet communities' needs. A blueprint for how to take this forward was clearly set out in the Independent Review of Education.
"In addition, if the minister wants to ensure schools are funded adequately and equitably, he must also prioritise reviewing the common funding formula without delay.
"These are only a few examples, but, underpinning it all, the Department of Education must commit to engaging more openly and effectively with school leaders in order to understand what they need in terms of resources, so we can deliver the first-class education our children deserve."
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.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.
