NICIE welcomes integrated status for Loughries PS
The Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education (NICIE) is delighted at the Education Minister, John O’Dowd’s decision to approve the transformation to integrated status of Loughries PS in the greater Newtownards area.
Transformation allows existing schools to officially become integrated by making relevant changes to achieve a religious balance and meet the needs of the whole school community. The process is initiated after a positive parental ballot which is the beginning of the transformation journey.
Demand for an integrated primary school in the wider Newtownards area has grown and since the successful ballot, Loughries PS has been working closely with NICIE to develop and implement a comprehensive transformation action plan and will continue to do so now approval has been given.
Lynda Girvin, Chairperson of Loughries PS Steering Group said: ‘‘all involved with the school are delighted by the Minister’s decision to allow us to become a formally integrated school. Our parents wholeheartedly expressed their desire for Integrated Education for their children and their dream has been realised. In light of the cross community support we will continue to develop the school as an integrated learning environment to ensure that we have a truly open and welcoming ethos throughout the school community. Those involved in the school believe we have a responsibility to provide our children with the right to learn together thereby allowing them to play their part in a better tomorrow.
Commenting on the decision, Noreen Campbell, Chief Executive of NICIE stated, ““This Ministerial approval to transform to integrated status formally recognises the hard work that the school has undertaken and welcomed it as an important step in providing primary integrated provision for the greater Newtownards area. This is a successful outcome to a long process driven by parents seeking an integrated education for their children and we are delighted to join in their celebrations and will continue to support them as they move forward to delivering a truly shared learning environment for their children.”
During the coming year, the Principal, Steering Group and parents in the Loughries area will continue to develop their integrated school environment which will be open and welcoming to all. NICIE looks forward to continuing with their support to the whole school community in developing the integrated ethos. Full approval for the school has delivered a much needed formally integrated school for the Greater Newtownards area. Principal of the school, Jo Thompson expressed her delight in the opportunity Loughries PS now has to move forward, saying “All involved in the school are over the moon at the Minister’s decision to allow us to realise our full potential and to continue to develop a school environment where all are valued and welcome. Our parents and children have been celebrating today, our school has continued to grow and develop and we now look forward to achieving further successes in the future. We are thrilled that the Minister has acknowledged the strong parental demand for an integrated option in the area.”
In order to ensure that the school becomes a fully integrated institution, a number of practical steps will be taken by the staff and Governors including changes to the Governing body, a review of the curriculum programmes including RE and staff training and development. Loughries Integrated Primary School will continue to serve children of all faiths and none in Loughries, and will provide for the first time integrated provision for those residing within the Greater Ards area.
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