(received by Glynis)
Note the responses are from DUP and UUP, no responses from SDLP or Alliance.
John McCallister – Letter passed to John and he will take appropriate action.
Lady Hermon – received confirmation that she received the letter and is taking action.
Peter Weir – letter received and DUP updated
Alex Easton – looking into the issue and will provide an update
DENI – a personalised response with answers will be issued within 15 working days
Alan McFarland – speaking to the parties spokesperson for Education and will respond accordingly. Received quite a few letters on this topic.
Mervyn Storey – issued the following statement yesterday on this issue
‘North Antrim DUP MLA Mervyn Storey has criticised Education Minister Caitriona Ruane over her plans to end the funding of preparatory departments of grammar schools. Accusing the Minister of an anti-children anti-education educational ideology Mervyn Storey said:
“According to the Department’s own review, preparatory departments offer a tangible, objective and measurable standard of excellence in education.”
“At both Key Stage I and Key Stage II preparatory departments have performed to an enviable standard. This applies to both English and Maths.”
“The dept’s own review states that the results at Key Stage I “show the preparatory departments attaining significantly higher results in KS1 in English and Maths. The percentage of pupils in preparatory departments attaining level 3 in English is more than double that of primary schools.. there are similar results in Maths.”
“This same Departmental review continues by saying that ‘a similar pattern is reflected’ at Key Stage II.”
“So here we have schools that are delivering an excellent standard of education, one that by the Department’s own measurements is to the fore in Northern Ireland and one that helps to address the early year educational factors that contribute to educational underachievement.”
“Yet despite this measurable excellence the Minister has set her face to ending funding to these preparatory depts.”
“It is very clear – clear from the Department’s own figures, reflected in its own commentary upon its own official review, that the Education Minister is pursuing an anti-children anti-education educational ideology.”
“She has made a mess of just about every aspect of her educational portfolio. Running out of calamities to cause Calamity Caitriona is now turning her attention towards making a mess of primary school; education and destroying excellent preparatory departments because they appear to offend her regardless of their educational excellence.” ‘
Peter Weir
I called Peter Weir earlier this evening to ask for an update on the meeting that was scheduled for this afternoon. He said it was more of a meeting for everyone to understand the issues. He had not been provided with an update yet. He would make inquiries tomorrow and provide an update to us tomorrow or Friday.
He did advise that Sammy Wilson, Minister for Finance in the assembly sent a letter to the Minister of Education challenging the reasons for this action based on financials.
Peter Weir Followup (11th Feb)
Just to update on developments on this issue, although there is a limited amount of information. Our Education representatives met yesterday with reps from the Pres Schools through the Bursars Association (I think that this is their title). This was an opportunity to be more fully briefed on the issue. We are currently checking whether the Minister has the power to take this action, and if we are able to, we will try and block this legally. I understand that the Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson has written to the Education Minister expressing officially his concerns at her proposed course of action. I have spoken to one of of our Education reps who is hoping to bring the issue to the floor of the Assembly in a debate. I appreciate that this is a limited amount of information, but I want to keep you updated as developments happen.
(received by Paul)
Lady Hermon MP
Face to face discussion with the Private Secretary to Lady Hermon as well as a followup confirming receipt of my written objection and intention to progress.
Peter Weir
Thank you for your e mail. I share your concerns completely and believe this proposal is ill judged, dogmatic and lacking in economic sense. You can rest assured of my support. I would question whether she has the legal right to do this, and we are currently chasing up this issue. I know that the Finance Minister has written to her. Our education committee members are also aware of this, are opposed to this proposal and have spoken to representatives of the Prep Schools. I believe that they intend to raise this on the floor of the Assembly. I will keep you updated with any developments.
Alex Easton
Alex Easton has confirmed he and his party will be working to 'stop the education minister if [sic] they can'
Alan McFarland
Confirmation that Alan McFarland (from his PA) will be consulting with party colleagues to establish quite what challenge can be mounted
Stephen Farry
Thank you for your correspondence relating the proposed removal of the public sector financial contribution for children in prep schools.
The Alliance Party is opposed to this move. Our Education Spokesperson, Trevor Lunn, has raised the matter on the floor of the Northern Ireland Assembly and I am working with him on the issue. I have received considerable local correspondence on the issue.
Even if there was merit in some reform of the financial arrangements relating to prep schools, this is most certainly not the time to be doing it. There are much bigger problems, indeed crises, in the education system such as the post-primary transfer arrangements and the Education and Skills Authority. This matter seems to be being pursued for ideological reasons.
As you recognize, this proposal makes no sense financially. If the current level of support is withdrawn and parents subsequently withdraw their children from prep schools the full cost of educational support for such children would be borne by the public sector. Therefore, at a time of major budgetary pressures, this move would end up costing the Department of Education more. For those parents who opt to keep their children in prep schools, there will be increased financial challenges.
I am keen to preserve choice in education, and will do what I can to oppose this.
There is some speculation that this matter may be moved from just the Department of Education to a collective decision in the entire Executive.
I will keep you informed of any developments. I hope this works out for you and your family.
Brian Wilson
Thanks for your email regarding the prep school funding. I have received a large number of emails and letters on this issue and I share many of your concerns.
This matter has been raised in the Assembly on a number of occasions and I’m not sure what further action can be taken. It is not clear that the Education Minister has the power to take this decision without getting cross community support.
In Tuesday’s budget debate the Finance Minister Sammy Wilson stated that as this was a contentious matter the Ministerial Code requires the Education Minister to bring the issue to the Executive. He had written to her to this effect.
The issue may also be brought to the House for a cross-community vote. In either case it is unlikely to get majority support given the strength of the opposition.
(received by Olivia)
Alan McFarland
Confirmation that Alan McFarland (from his PA) will be consulting with party colleagues to establish quite what challenge can be mounted
(received by Gareth)
Stephen Farry(received by Gary)
Thank you for your correspondence relating the proposed removal of the public sector financial contribution for children in prep schools.
The Alliance Party is opposed to this move. Our Education Spokesperson, Trevor Lunn, has raised the matter on the floor of the Northern Ireland Assembly and I am working with him on the issue. I have received considerable local correspondence on the issue.
Even if there was merit in some reform of the financial arrangements relating to prep schools, this is most certainly not the time to be doing it. There are much bigger problems, indeed crises, in the education system such as the post-primary transfer arrangements and the Education and Skills Authority. This matter seems to be being pursued for ideological reasons.
As you recognize, this proposal makes no sense financially. If the current level of support is withdrawn and parents subsequently withdraw their children from prep schools the full cost of educational support for such children would be borne by the public sector. Therefore, at a time of major budgetary pressures, this move would end up costing the Department of Education more. For those parents who opt to keep their children in prep schools, there will be increased financial challenges.
I am keen to preserve choice in education, and will do what I can to oppose this.
There is some speculation that this matter may be moved from just the Department of Education to a collective decision in the entire Executive.
I will keep you informed of any developments. I hope this works out for you and your family.
Issues being raised by David McNarry and Simon Hamilton
(received by Julie)
Stephen Farry
Thank you for your correspondence relating the proposed removal of the public sector financial contribution for children in prep schools.
The Alliance Party is opposed to this move. Our Education Spokesperson, Trevor Lunn, has raised the matter on the floor of the Northern Ireland Assembly and I am working with him on the issue. I have received considerable local correspondence on the issue.
Even if there was merit in some reform of the financial arrangements relating to prep schools, this is most certainly not the time to be doing it. There are much bigger problems, indeed crises, in the education system such as the post-primary transfer arrangements and the Education and Skills Authority. This matter seems to be being pursued for ideological reasons.
As you recognize, this proposal makes no sense financially. If the current level of support is withdrawn and parents subsequently withdraw their children from prep schools the full cost of educational support for such children would be borne by the public sector. Therefore, at a time of major budgetary pressures, this move would end up costing the Department of Education more. For those parents who opt to keep their children in prep schools, there will be increased financial challenges.
I am keen to preserve choice in education, and will do what I can to oppose this.
There is some speculation that this matter may be moved from just the Department of Education to a collective decision in the entire Executive.
I will keep you informed of any developments. I hope this works out for you and your family.
John McAllister (on behalf of)
Thank you for your email regarding the withdrawal of funding from prep schools.
I wish to advise that John McCallister fully recognises the huge contribution to the education system made by Prep schools and indeed the financial contribution made by parents. I can confirm that John has already given his commitment to ensuring that any proposed changes to the funding formula are made the subject of a full scrutiny by the Assembly's Education Committee.
I have noted your questions and would like to assure you that these will be raised on your behalf; I will forward the responses to you upon receipt of same.
I hope this information is of use to you however, please do not hesitate to contact the office if you require anything further.
Generic response delivered by the UUP - updated 4/3/10The Ulster Unionist Party recognises and supports the rights of parents to choose the type of education their child (ren) receives. We understand and respect the fact that many parents make significant sacrifices in other areas of their lives in order to send their children to a preparatory department. As a parent of a child who attends a preparatory department you pay taxes in the same way as any other member of our society and we therefore believe that you are entitled to a fair distribution of services from both the devolved Northern Ireland Executive and Parliament. We recognise and support the educational and teaching standards that preparatory departments attain in Northern Ireland and the positive contribution they make to our education system.
The Ulster Unionist Party is opposed to the Minister for Education’s proposals to withdraw funding from preparatory departments from September 2010.
We note the Minister for Education’s arguments for withdrawing funding based on equality of access and the principle of equity in distribution of resources. In 2009/10 each preparatory pupil attracted grant aid funding of £808 compared to the average per pupil funding of £2,911 allocated for each mainstream primary pupil. The Ulster Unionist Party understands that all areas of Government spending are open to review however, if the Minister proceeds and removes funding from preparatory departments, it will actually increase the costs on the education system as whole.
The Ulster Unionist Party recognises that removing funding in September 2010 will have an immediate effect on parents and schools. Many parents made a decision to send their children to a preparatory department a number of years ago. Removing funding will retrospectively impact on that choice. The proposed removal of funding will also call into question the financial viability of many preparatory departments.
At the very least, the Ulster Unionist Party believes that the consultation period and proposed enforcement date should be delayed until a balanced and objective assessment that takes into consideration the impact if withdrawing funding on parents, teachers and schools in all preparatory departments, takes place.
The Ulster Unionist Party has and will continue to make strong representations on your behalf to the Minister for Education. The Ulster Unionist Party has signed a motion, which will be debated in the Northern Ireland Assembly on Monday 15th March, opposing the position of the Minister for Education on this issue.
The Minister for Education has shown a regrettable consistency in attacking grammar schools and now preparatory departments. The Ulster Unionist Party will do all in its power to prevent the Minister from forcing ill-judged, ideological and deeply divisive policies on parents, children and teachers across Northern Ireland.
Funding for Preparatory Departments
That this Assembly notes the Department of Education’s decision to withdraw funding from the preparatory departments of grammar schools as demonstrated by the Department’s budget proposals for 2010/11; and believes that the consultation process undertaken by the Department does not meet with the Sedley requirements on the standards of proper consultation; considers that this proposal is contentious and should be considered by the full Executive; recognises the excellence in terms of attainment achieved by those pupils attending preparatory departments and the value for money that these departments represent in terms of funding by the Department of Education; believes that the withdrawal of such funding would represent a false economy, suppress social mobility and restrict parental choice; and calls on the Minister of Education to reverse the decision
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