In two land mark decisions on 16 June the minister approved the expansion of integrated education in two keys areas: Mallusk and Crumlin. Following on from the recent decision to approve transformation of Loughries Primary School Newtownards and recent approvals to expand integrated schools, this is a clear indication of the minister’s awareness of the importance of article 64 which places on him a duty to encourage and facilitate integrated education and to respond to parental demand for integrated education. Parents who wish to see their children educated together will feel encouraged by these decisions and will be encouraged to insist that an integrated choice becomes available in every area.
Yesterday’s decisions were both important. The decision in favour of integrated education in Mallusk recognises that this is an area which is representative of our changing society, an area where there is great diversity, with families from the traditional backgrounds as well as many from a range of other backgrounds — mixed, secular, and different faith. Quite rightly, these parents will now have the choice of a school which will educate all children together in an ethos of equality of respect.
In deciding to support the continuation of Crumlin Integrated College, the minister recognises the significant steps taken by the school to deepen its integrated ethos and to ensure that it is a school which will meet the needs of all children regardless of ability and of background. This decision is a tribute to the commitment of the parent body in Crumlin Integrated College and to its acting principal, staff and board of governors. It is also a tribute to the work of the steering group who have worked so hard to secure integrated provision in the area. This decision is the first step in the embedding of a high quality, all ability integrated education in the town of Crumlin.
Noreen Campbell, CEO of NICIE said: ‘NICIE is delighted with these decisions. NICIE staff work closely with parent groups and the staff and governors of schools. We see the commitment which exists to secure an integrated education for the children in the area. We applaud the efforts of schools and parents who work tirelessly to see their children educated together. These decisions vindicate the work and efforts of parents and schools embarking on the journey of transformation.
These decisions also hold messages for all involved in area planning. It makes sense that educational provision reflects the population of the area, the changing society around us and the wishes of families in the area. NICIE argues that planning for education should now find a mechanism which accurately determines parental preferences for the type of school and which plans the provision of schools around these preferences. That way parental choice is protected, meaningful planning becomes possible, and we move away from planning for the past to planning for the future. In doing so, we meet the needs of all children, we are laying the foundations for a cohesive and peaceful society and we can move to a cost effective system of education which will target resources on the classroom rather than on maintaining educational duplication.’
