MINISTER’S DECISION TO CLOSE CLINTYCLAY PRIMARY SCHOOL ‘A DEVASTATING BLOW’
The Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education (NICIE) has reacted with disappointment to the news today that Education Minister John O’Dowd has rejected Clintyclay Primary School’s proposal to transform to integrated status from September 2015 and has decided instead to approve a proposal from CCMS to close Clintyclay completely.
Parents, governors and staff had eagerly hoped to be welcoming in a new era for education right across Northern Ireland by being the first Catholic maintained school to become legally integrated. Instead, Clintyclay must now close its doors, an action which flies in the face of those parents within the school itself and across the wider area who had articulated a clear desire for integrated education.
Expressing her disappointment, Noreen Campbell, CEO of NICIE said: “The decision on Clintyclay will come as a devastating blow to members of the school community who worked tirelessly to secure integrated primary provision in their area in accordance with the wishes of parents.” Mrs Campbell reflected on the recent independent poll, carried out in the summer of June 2014, which showed overwhelming support for the establishment of an integrated school and despite the decision, welcomed the Minister’s acknowledgement of the demand for integrated education in the area around Clintyclay. Mrs Campbell further welcomed the Minister’s recommendation that NICIE, in conjunction with CCMS and SELB carry out a strategic review to consider where additional places might be needed and identify the full range of options for meeting any demand.
Mrs Campbell continued: “The Minister’s recommendation opens the way to progress genuine area planning, based on the assessment of parental demand. It also provides for the development of new and innovative approaches to sharing in education.”
For further information or to arrange an interview with a spokesperson please contact Noreen Campbell, Chief Executive Officer at (028) 9097 2910, mobile 0787 8721327 or via e-mail to ncampbell@nicie.org.uk or via email to lmcivor@nicie.org.uk
