Education Minister announces Review of Integrated Education

The Minister of Education John O’Dowd has announced a review of integrated education which will take place over the next 6 months.  Roisin Marshall, Chief Executive Officer of NICIE (CEO) has expressed thanks to the Minister and welcomed the review, commenting that “It will provide an important opportunity for us all to reflect on the journey of integrated education over the last 35 years”

The aim of the review is to provide recommendations for structures and processes to support the effective planning, growth and development of a more integrated education system within a framework of viable and sustainable schools.  The review will be conducted by Colm Cavanagh, NICIE Honorary President and Professor Margaret Topping, Queen’s University Belfast, both of whom are appointed by the Minister. 

NICIE CEO , Roisin Marshall, further commented , ‘On this 35^th anniversary of integrated education, it is timely to reflect on how the 63 integrated schools that exist have grown and developed by the sheer hard work, vision and effort of parents and boards of governors.”   She highlighted the fact that the review would engage at a strategic level with DE, the planning Authorities, education organisations, professionals within the education sector, schools and other key stakeholders, including political representatives.  The proposals and recommendations to the Minister will inform effective planning, growth and development of a more integrated education system in the future. 

Mrs Marshall encouraged all stakeholders to engage positively with the review process so that ways can be found to give every child and young person the opportunity to experience a quality integrated education in the future.  She concluded,  ‘The key question is how can we continue the development of strong, sustainable, integrated schools where adults and children work and learn together, all day, every day developing relationships that dispel fear and mistrust?  The time is ripe to find ways to enable all school communities, especially parents, who align with the principles of integration of equality, faith and values, parental involvement and social responsibility, to find their voice and be recognised.  It is indeed an exciting opportunity!’