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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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.  […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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Community Constituency Education Newry Newry and Armagh

SRC’s BIG Apprenticeship Event 2024 Inspires Potential Learners

With January resolutions hopefully not forgotten, February has seen individuals being presented with fresh hopes and prospects at Southern Regional College’s Big Apprenticeship Event.  Held at the College’s Newry West campus on the 6 February, the event saw over 900 people attend the Newry campus.  Showcasing the various apprenticeship and higher level apprenticeship courses now […]

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Community Education Government Politics Stormont

Minister Pledges to Deliver on Key Priorities for Education

Education Minister Paul Givan has pledged to build on Northern Ireland’s reputation for providing a high quality, innovative and inclusive world class education system. Speaking after visiting Rathmore Grammar School, the Minister said: “Education is the cornerstone of our society. I am honoured to be appointed as Education Minister and look forward to working with school […]