A joint statement from the Integrated Education Fund (IEF) and Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education (NICIE)
We welcome the positive response to the parental ballots recently held at Straid Primary School, Ballyclare and St. Annes in Donagadee. 100% of parents balloted voted yes to integrated status in Straid, with 84% of parents in St Anne’s backing the move – both resounding endorsements for their future plans.
Roisin Marshall, Chief Executive, NICIE said:
“The Council for Integrated Education welcomes the result of this ballot as evidence of the demand for Integrated Education within the parent bodies at Straid PS and St Annes. We will continue to support the schools to develop their vision of a sustainable Integrated Primary Schools serving all members of the local community”
Tina Merron, Chief Executive, IEF said:
“We welcome the positive result from the parental ballot held at both Schools. This reflects the growing interest and demand for integrated education from parents, schools and local communities. In particular, Straid has traditionally only attracted pupils from mainly one side of the local community and it is clear that there is a real desire to reach out and welcome parents and children of all faiths and none into the school.”
The ballots were carried out by Civica Election Services, and every adult registered as a parent or guardian was eligible to vote in confidence on the school’s future.
The next step will be compiling a development proposal, which will be submitted to the Department of Education. The Minister for Education will then make the final decision.
Almost every school in the country can apply to Transform to Integrated Status and the parental ballot is the first step in this journey.
For additional information please contact Shane Horan, IEF Press Officer shane@ief.org.uk or on 07596 087728
