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Education Election 2022 Government Lurgan Stormont Upper Bann

Sinn Féin MLA John O’Dowd Has Welcomed Progress on Legislation for a Flexible School Starting Age

The Upper Bann representative and former Education Minister said: ‘’I welcome the progress this week on legislation going through the Assembly which will give families of year young children a choice to delay their school starting year. “This will benefit many children and families. ‘’Not every child that is young for their year will need to […]

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Banbridge Community Education Government Infrastructure Upper Bann Westminster

Progress Made Towards Safety Improvement at Bridge Integrated PS – Lockhart

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed confirmation from the Department for Infrastructure that a more detailed assessment of safety provisions at Bridge Integrated Primary School will be taken forward when resources are made available. Carla Lockhart said: “The Ballygowan Road is a busy road, and a number of parents have raised their concerns around […]

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Education Election 2022 Government Politics Stormont

Aontú Raise Concerns Over Integrated Education Bill’s Failure to Recognise Diversity.

Aontú’s education spokesperson and East Derry Election candidate, Gemma Brolly, has again raised concerns over the Integrated Education Bill’s failure to recognise the beauty of diversity. Brolly states “Aontú have made their position on Integrated Education extremely clear from the beginning of this process. We believe Integrated Educated is a wonderful component of the pluralist education system. It […]

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Education Government Upper Bann Westminster

Integrated Education Bill Will Discriminate Against Local Schools! – Lockhart

DUP MP for Upper Bann Carla Lockhart has said the Alliance Party’s Integrated Education Bill will see many local schools in the controlled and maintained sectors discriminated against when it comes to funding, new school builds, and other forms of investment in children’s education. Carla Lockhart said: “I spend considerable time engaging with local schools […]

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ABC Council Community Council Education Government Lurgan Upper Bann

Cllr Mackle Calls for Scrapping of Transfer Tests

Sinn Féin council group leader Liam Mackle has said that cruel transfer tests should be ‘scrapped’ to remove unnecessary stress from children.  The ABC representative said:  “Over the weekend many children endured the anxiety of waiting for their results from the transfer test. It is unacceptable at any time to select and reject young children […]

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Community Education Lurgan Upper Bann

Choice and Cost Important When it Comes to School Uniforms – Mackle

Sinn Féin council group leader Liam Mackle has said choice as well as cost is important when it comes to school uniforms.  The ABC spokesperson was speaking after a briefing by the Children’s Commissioner Koulla Yiasouma to the Education Committee. Cllr. Mackle said:  “If given a choice there are good reasons for children to decide […]

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Community Education Government Lurgan Upper Bann Westminster

MP Praises Bleary Preschool for Positive Impact on Young Lives

Local Member of Parliament Carla Lockhart has visited Busy Bees Pre-School, Bleary, to see the pre-school in action and discuss future support for the work of the school with local young people. Carla Lockhart said: “Busy-Bees Pre-school is a fantastic asset to the community in Bleary and beyond, and a brilliant place for children to […]

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Community Education Newry South Armagh

Newry and South Armagh Schools Join PSNI Pilot Programme

Schools across the Newry and South Armagh area are to join Pilot Programme, Operation Encompass. The programme, which is already operational across the Downpatrick area, sees police sharing information with schools where there have been instances of domestic abuse involving a child. This will allow officers to pass on relevant information to the school the child […]

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Community Education Election 2022 Government Lurgan Stormont Upper Bann

Kelly Highlights Challenges Facing Local Schools 

SDLP Upper Bann MLA Dolores Kelly has highlighted a number of issues facing schools across the area. Mrs Kelly invited Education Minister Michelle McIlveen to the constituency last week to show her first hand the good work going on in the schools and highlight the need for further funding. Mrs Kelly took Minister McIlveen to […]

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Education Lurgan Upper Bann

Each Rural School Has Its Own Unique Story-O’Dowd

Sinn Féin MLA John O’Dowd has said there cannot be a blanket approach to rural schools from the Education Authority and the Department of Education when it comes to Area Planning. The former Education Minister said: “Rural schools are the heartbeat of local communities in Upper Bann and further afield, and the Education Authority shouldn’t […]

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Education Government Lurgan Stormont Upper Bann

O’Dowd Welcomes Funding Boost for Special Educational Needs

Sinn Féin MLA John ODowd has welcomed the announcement by finance minister Conor Murphy which will see an additional £18 million of funding to support children with special educational needs.  This money forms part of a £40 million funding package for education. The Upper Bann spokesperson and former Education Minister said: “I welcome this funding announcement of […]

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Education Election 2022 South Down

McKevitt: DUP Minister Must Do More to Keep People Safe in Schools

SDLP Crotlieve councillor Karen McKevitt has said DUP Minister Michelle McIlveen must do more to keep pupils and staff safe in school. Mrs McKevitt was speaking after the Assembly was recalled on Monday to discuss the Covid-19 situation in schools, and the inaction from the Minister to take steps to mitigate the current spread of […]