SDLP release:

SDLP Chair, Colin McGrath MLA has supported a cross party motion today, calling on the Minister for Education to explore introducing mandatory autism training for teachers and classroom assistants. (more…)

SDLP release:

SDLP Education spokesperson, Daniel McCrossan MLA has welcomed January monitoring allocation and announcement of an extra £33 million for the education system.

The West Tyrone MLA said:
“I welcome the announcement of a combined £33 million investment in the education system by Finance Minister, Conor Murphy MLA.” (more…)

Sinn Féin release:

Sinn Féin MLA Karen Mullan has welcomed the announcement of an extra £33 million for the education system. (more…)

DUP release:

DUP MLA Pam Cameron will bring forward a motion to the Northern Ireland Assembly this week calling on the Education Minister Peter Weir to introduce mandatory autism training for teachers in Northern Ireland.

Pam Cameron said:
“Autism has nearly doubled in childhood diagnoses in the past 6 years. Therefore, the lack of support and services has become more and more evident. (more…)

Sinn Féin release:

Speaking after the publication of a Stranmillis report into academic underachievement Karen Mullan MLA said:

“How many more of these reports do we need to read before we finally see an end to the practice of academic selection. (more…)

Alliance release:

Alliance East Belfast MLA Chris Lyttle has welcomed the announcement of a £45 million School Enhancement Programme, but said that a root and branch review of education is necessary to address the wider issues.

Chris Lyttle, who is Alliance’s spokesperson on Education has just been appointed Chair of the Assembly Education Committee. He said: “The announcement of £45 million capital investment for the 18 schools in the School Enhancement Programme is a great start for the restored Assembly and Executive. Capital investment is urgently needed by many schools in Northern Ireland and whilst the School Enhancement Programme announcement is good news for the small number of recipient schools, radical investment and reform is needed if we are to deliver an integrated network of well resourced, fit for purpose schools. (more…)