Written Answers to Questions - Northern Ireland Assembly

Friday 20 July 2012 Written Answers
It is possible that some or all of these pupils were already in receipt of transport assistance to the
original school from which they were expelled.
Early years Stakeholder Advisory Group
Mr Kinahan asked the Minister of Education why there are representatives from primary schools on the
Early Years Stakeholder Advisory Group; and whether he has any plans to review this situation.
(AQW 13595/11-15)
Mr O’Dowd: I indicated to the Assembly on 2 July 2012 that I would look into the issue of representation
from the primary sector on the Early Years Stakeholder Advisory Group. Officials have confirmed that
currently there is not representation from the primary sector and I have asked that this position is
addressed as a matter of urgency to ensure that the Group is fully inclusive of all relevant sectors.
Value that Local Communities Place on Education
Mr Kinahan asked the Minister of Education what the advertising campaign, aimed at raising the value
that local communities place on education, will entail.
(AQW 13596/11-15)
Mr O’Dowd: In my Autumn Statement on 26 September 2011, I emphasised the need to send a clear
signal to every community about the value of education.
I intend to take forward an advertising campaign to inform and engage all parents, and in particular
those from the most disadvantaged backgrounds, to become more engaged in their child’s education.
The campaign is intended to raise awareness of the importance of educational achievement and
promote the value of a good education whilst encouraging parents to aspire to a better education and
future for their children.
The finer detail of the advertising campaign and how the outcomes will be achieved have still to be
worked through with the successful bidder.
Nursery School Places and Providers
Mrs Overend asked the Minister of Education, in light of 1,400 of the 1,800 additional nursery
school places being weighted in favour of private and voluntary providers, to detail (i) each private and
voluntary nursery school provider; (ii) each statutory nursery school provider; (iii) the original Education
and Training Inspectorate grading for each individual provider over each of the last two years; and (iv)
whether there is research available to show differing educational outcomes for children who attend
private as opposed to statutory nursery schools.
(AQW 13598/11-15)
Mr O’Dowd: I have arranged for the information requested to be placed in the Assembly Library.
Parkhall Integrated College, Antrim
Mr Lyttle asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 12032/11-15, why Parkhall Integrated
College, Antrim, was not announced as one of the successful 18 projects for capital investment, given
that the project was identified as being at Stage F/G by the Royal Institute of British Architects.
(AQW 13618/11-15)
Mr O’Dowd: Parkhall Integrated College is central to a recently announced NEELB consultation for the
Antrim / Ballymena area in which the option now being considered for Parkhall is an 800 place 11-
19 school with post-16 provision being offered as jointly managed and governed provision with Antrim
Grammar School. The proposals within the consultation document also indicate that capacity would
have to be expanded at both Parkhall and Antrim Grammar.
Clarity is needed on the scale and type of provision the Department of Education is being asked to
provide before funding can be approved.
WA 470