Categories
Community Education Government Health Politics Stormont

DUP – “Teacher & Parental Choice Is Key In RSE”

DUP East Antrim MLA Cheryl Brownlee, who also sits on the Assembly’s Education Committee has said the Alliance Party should spell out in detail their RSE plans for schools and how they will respect school ethos and parental choice. There will be an Alliance motion on Relationship and Sexuality Education debated in the Assembly on […]

Categories
Community Constituency Education Government Health Lurgan Politics Upper Bann Westminster

Parties Need to be Clear on “Gender-Affirming Healthcare”

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has said parties need to spell out their stance on “gender affirming healthcare” and that the Health Minister should spell out more clearly what stance will be taken by the Department of Health in light of the publication of the Cass Report. The DUP MP said, “The publication of the Cass […]

Categories
Community Education Government Health Politics Stormont

Alliance Calls for Inclusive, Standardised, Age-Appropriate Relationship and Sexuality Education In Schools

Alliance South Belfast MLA Kate Nicholl has said that we must end the ‘postcode lottery’ that currently exists around young peoples’ access to Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE), and that we must ensure the rights of children are enshrined in law. She was speaking ahead of Monday (22 April), when Alliance will be bringing a motion to […]

Categories
Community Constituency Education Government Newry Newry and Armagh South Armagh Sport Stormont

Murphy Welcomes Increased Pay Offer For Lecturers

An increased pay offer has been made to further education lecturers. The Economy Minister, Conor Murphy, said: “Further education lecturers are vital to providing the skills that grow our economy. I am therefore pleased to facilitate this pay offer as a first step towards parity with teachers.” The Department for the Economy has worked within its […]

Categories
Community Constituency Downpatrick Education Government Politics South Down Stormont

Education Minister Must Get on With Delivering Fair Pay For All Education Workers – Mason

Sinn Féin MLA Cathy Mason has said the Education Minister must get on with the job of paying education workers fairly. The South Down MLA said: “This morning I met with unions who represent workers right across our education system. “These workers keep our schools open every day, they are responsible for school meals, school […]

Categories
Community Education Government Politics Stormont

SDLP Launch Petition to Restore Funding for Integrated Schools

The SDLP has launched a public petition calling on the Executive to restore the funding package allocated for new buildings at ten integrated schools across Northern Ireland. This follows the recent announcement of the withdrawal of this funding as part of the financial package agreed between Executive parties and the UK Government. Questioning Education Minister […]

Categories
Community Education Government Stormont

Education Minister Welcomes Progress on Teachers’ Pay Negotiations

A formal offer on teachers’ pay for 2021, 2022 and 2023 has been made to the five main teaching unions. The proposed settlement will see the starting salary for teachers in Northern Ireland rise to £30,000. This is a 24.3% increase from the current starting salary and brings the starting point equal to England. The […]

Categories
Community Constituency Education Government Newry Newry and Armagh Politics South Armagh Stormont

Murphy Announces Additional £1m of Financial Support For Students

Economy Minister Conor Murphy has announced an additional £1million to support students facing financial hardship as a result of increased costs of living.  The funds will be distributed to Queen’s University, Ulster University, The Open University, St Mary’s University College and Stranmillis University College for eligible students at those institutions to apply for.  Highlighting the […]

Categories
Community Constituency Downpatrick Education Government South Down Sport Stormont

Mason Urges Parties to Work Together to Cut School Uniform Costs

Sinn Féin MLA Cathy Mason has said school uniforms should be affordable for families and urged parties to work together to cut costs.  Speaking ahead of bringing a motion to the Assembly, Cathy Mason said: “Sinn Féin will bring a motion to the Assembly on Tuesday on making school uniforms and PE gear more affordable.  […]

Categories
Community Education Government Politics Stormont

Transformation of Special Educational Needs Essential – Givan

Education Minister Paul Givan has reaffirmed his commitment to transform the existing Special Educational Needs system in Northern Ireland. The Minister has emphasised the need for a system that consistently delivers for children and young people with Special Educational Needs through the provision of high quality and cost-effective services. The Minister said: “I was humbled to […]

Categories
Community Constituency Education Newry Newry and Armagh

Southern Regional College Students Compete for SkillBuild Glory

The annual SkillBuild competition at Southern Regional College got underway at the start of February as competitors from various trades and disciplines showcased their talents and skills.  Contestants from across the College’s campuses competed against peers, to be in with the chance to make it to the regional competition.  The regional competition is set to […]

Categories
Community Constituency Downpatrick Education Government Politics South Down Stormont

Education Minister Must Prioritise Making Childcare Affordable For All – Mason

Sinn Féin MLA Cathy Mason has said the Education Minister must prioritise a strategy which makes high quality childcare affordable for all families. Speaking following a meeting of the Education Committee, the party’s childcare spokesperson said: “High-quality, affordable early years and childcare is absolutely essential in ensuring our young people get the very best start in […]