The latest paper in the Ulster University series looking at the NI education system focuses on the pre-school year just before starting primary school.

While pre-school attendance is not compulsory in Northern Ireland, it is seen as offering a smooth transition into primary school and has been developed so as to lead onto the Foundation Stage of the Northern Ireland Curriculum (Primary 1 and 2). The government’s commitment to provide a free pre-school year to every child whose family wants it resulted in 92% of all three-year-olds taking up a preschool place in 2018/19. (more…)

The integrated Education Fund (IEF) welcomes the publication of the IRC Third Report by the Independent Reporting Commission.

Richard Lemon OBE, Chair of the IEF, said:
“I welcome the IRC’s recognition of the importance of a more integrated education system in Northern Ireland.

“Enabling children of different backgrounds to be educated together in the same classroom undoubtedly improves the likelihood of better community relations, both now and in the future.

“This report adds to the increasing support for a more normal education system for all communities across Northern Ireland.” (more…)

DE Release:

A £5million fund to help educational settings support the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people has been launched today.

Education Minister Peter Weir set out details of the funding during a visit to St Columbanus College in Bangor. (more…)

New-Bridge Release:

New-Bridge Integrated College is absolutely delighted to receive official planning approval from ABC Council for its £17.8 million new school build, a much anticipated announcement!

Design work has been ongoing behind the scenes while we waited for planning approval but it is so exciting now we have the green light to move to Stage 4 of the project when the building contractor will be appointed and work will commence on designing the interior finish of the school. (more…)

DE Release:

Education Minister, Peter Weir has secured a legal change to allow schools and other education settings to deliver Physical Education (PE).

This follows the Department obtaining an amendment to the current Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations which had meant that only non-contact PE could be provided outdoors in a maximum group of 15. (more…)

Hagan Homes, the NI homebuilder that has constructed more than 4,000 local homes and created vibrant new neighbourhoods in some of the most neglected areas of the province, has pledged to support the Integrated Education Fund to ensure NI children have more opportunities to be educated together.

A passion of Hagan Homes Chair and Founder, James Hagan, the IEF has, for over 30 years, campaigned to promote integrated education here, helping create 65 integrated educational settings with parents awaiting decisions on a further eight.

Inspired by the charity’s efforts and drive over those years, Mr Hagan has been supporting the IEF for two decades. Today, however, he will pledge his biggest investment to date into the organisation to ensure its tireless work produces even more societal change here. (more…)