A five-year plan to reform education in Northern Ireland has been unveiled, featuring proposals for fewer schools and the implementation of “cashless” meals. The plan, crafted by the Department of Education (DE), also addresses changes in home-to-school transport, special educational needs (SEN) support, and teacher employment practices. Education Minister Paul Givan is set to present these proposals to the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive for approval.
Givan expressed concerns about some of the proposed measures, stating he “wouldn’t want to take forward” certain changes but emphasized that they are necessary if the department does not receive additional funding in the upcoming budget discussions. The draft budget, published by Finance Minister John O’Dowd of Sinn Féin, has faced heavy criticism, particularly from the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).
Key Areas of Reform
The reform plan identifies five main areas requiring transformation. One of the most contentious proposals is the reduction of classroom assistants for students with SEN. A recent review of Northern Ireland’s education system advocates for evaluating existing support methods to lessen reliance on these assistants.
The DE’s population projections indicate a decline in pupil numbers, with an anticipated drop of over 12% in the next decade. This decrease suggests that fewer schools may be necessary, leading to potential closures or mergers in specific regions.
Another proposed change involves a redeployment scheme for teachers, similar to one currently utilized in the Republic of Ireland. This would allow for the transfer of teachers from financially struggling schools to those in need of additional staff, ultimately helping to reduce costs. As of now, approximately 70% of schools in Northern Ireland are operating at a budget deficit.
Furthermore, the plan includes the transition to cashless meal payments for students. This method is already in use in some schools, and the proposal suggests the creation of ‘super kitchens’ where one kitchen supplies meals to several surrounding schools.
Home-to-School Transport Changes
The reform also targets home-to-school transport eligibility criteria. The Education Authority (EA) has already initiated cost-saving measures by altering school taxi contracts. Givan has warned school heads to expect “painful cuts” resulting from the budget, advising them to limit hiring new staff and reduce the use of substitute teachers.
As Givan prepares to present the proposals, he reiterated the need for public consultation. He acknowledged that the plans would require agreement from other ministers within the Stormont Executive and highlighted the pressing nature of the department’s financial situation. The current deficit stands at £250 million and is projected to rise to £0.9 billion next year, with estimates suggesting further increases beyond £1 billion in subsequent years.
The minister pointed out past spending trends on SEN, revealing that his department allocated £250 million five years ago, which surged to £715 million last year, yet he noted that the outcomes have not improved as expected.
Givan proposed more flexibility for schools to allocate dedicated SEN budgets directly, allowing them to decide on necessary expenditures, whether for hiring additional teachers or providing specialized support services.
Overall, the proposed reforms reflect a critical response to ongoing financial challenges while striving to enhance the educational landscape in Northern Ireland. The public consultation process will play a significant role in shaping the final outcomes of these plans.
