Please note that sections 5 and 6 are particularly relevant to Prep Funding
Update from Jonathan Bell MLA and Governor of RHS - 1st March 2010
"I will respond in more detail at a later date suffice to say as a Governor of Regent House the Prep has my full support today I had meetings with the First Minister and Ed Cttee chair I believe the proposals will be blocked legally but I will respond in more detail later
Regards
Jonathan Bell"
Regards
Jonathan Bell"
Email from Peter Weir MLA - 1st March 2010
Dear Julie
Thank you for your e mail. I share your concerns and am totally opposed to the Minister's proposals. I believe that they are ill judged, dogmatic, potentially sectarian and do not even make economic sense. I would question her legal right to carry this out, and we are currently checking out the best way to block this. I know that the Finance Minister has written to both her and OFMDFM on the subject. Our Education Committee representatives are also opposed and have recently met with the Bursars Association who represent Prep Schools. We are hoping to bring a motion to the floor of the Assembly. I will keep you informed of developments, but rest assured of my opposition to these plans.
Regards
Peter Weir MLA
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Paul Terry
Date: Wed, Feb 17, 2010 at 11:38 AM
Subject: Fwd: Good news - update from Mervyn Storey
To: CygnetHouse@tttek.com
All,
... I'd received this earlier from Glynis who asked that I forward this on.
Good news if it comes to fruition.. keep your eyes peeled for any notifications..
Paul
Begin forwarded message:
>
>
> Just received a call from Mervyn Storey, DUP and chairman of the Education committee.
>
> He has had several meeting including a meeting on Monday with First Minister Peter Robinson and Finance Minister Sammy Wilson on Monday.
>
> Part of the Belfast Agreement negotiated at St Andrews including an option for ' cross cutting/contentious/novel' to be taken away from the assemle/minister and to be brought to the table of the executive - this requires three parties to support.
>
> The DUP and UUP have signed and they are awaiting for the SDLP to sign. They have agreed in principle.
>
> Then the issue would be discussed by the executive and as all parties support 'prep' schools the ministers proposal would be overturned.
>
> They are dotting the 'i's; and crossing the 't's' today and expect to be in the position to issue a press release today/.early tomorrow stating funding will continue.
>
> Good news hopefully it will materialise.
>
> Acknowledged that they need to get a press release out asap to stop pupils leaving!!
Extract from email - re Stephen Farry (Alliance) - 15th Feb 10
From: Stephen Farry
Date: Mon, 15 Feb 2010 23:56:31 +0000
Subject: Prep School Funding
Gareth
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.
Best wishes
Stephen Farry
Extract from email - re Peter Weir (DUP) - 12th Feb 10
From: peter weir
Date: 12 February 2010 16:17:46 GMT
To:
Subject: Prep Schools
Dear Paul
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.
Peter Weir MLA
Extract from email - updates
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Glynis
Date: Wed, Feb 10, 2010 at 9:11 PM
Subject: Update
To: CygnetHouse@tttek.com
Dear All,
A quick update.
Letters
As Paul said earlier I sent the letter to all the representatives on the contact list last night. I have received quite a few replies. Hopefully more will follow. I will send reminders requesting updates early next week.
Note the responses are from DUP and UUP, no responses from SDLP or Alliance.
John McCallister – Letter passed t o 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.
Glynis
.......
I'll post later but I've also been in contact with some of the Campbell and Sullivan communities; one of the other CH parents have also reached out to Cllr Basil McCrea UUP who is willing to meet at Stormont over the next couple of days...... Regards Paul.
Extract from email - re Basil McCrea update - 25th Feb 10
Ian,
I updated it with some of the issues discussed - in particular, the suggestion that we may wish to consider instigating a judicial review (based around the equality issue). We're trying to determine quite whether this has been initiated by anyone else (it only requires one justified challenge out of the whole prep populous).
I hope your meeting this evening goes well - do let me know of anything that may be of interest (have already subscribed to blog updates so that should reach me automatically)
Regards,
Paul
I updated it with some of the issues discussed - in particular, the suggestion that we may wish to consider instigating a judicial review (based around the equality issue). We're trying to determine quite whether this has been initiated by anyone else (it only requires one justified challenge out of the whole prep populous).
I hope your meeting this evening goes well - do let me know of anything that may be of interest (have already subscribed to blog updates so that should reach me automatically)
Regards,
Paul
I am part of the PTA at Fullerton House and I am sure we would be interested in attending any meeting at stormont to press our case - please let me know and I can round up strong minded people on this issue
ReplyDeleteAdele Martin
Hi Adele
ReplyDeletePlease have a look on the Cygnet House Blog (link for you below) and you will read information on the meeting which took place on Tuesday 23rd February. http://denicffreview.blogspot.com/2010/02/stormont-meeting-tomorrow.html
I believe the most effective way is for each school to organise their own small delegation like Cygnet have already done. I think Regent will be organising one very soon too.
Please link in as a follower to this blog to get more updates as and when they come in.
If your school set up a blog too, please let us know! KEEP IN TOUCH!
Emailed recd from Paul Terry, Cygnet House, for our information.
ReplyDeleteFrom: peter weir
Date: 3 March 2010 15:30:52 GMT
To:
Subject: Prep Schools
Dear All
For your information, we have secured a debate in the Assembly itself on the subject of funding of prep schools on Monday, 15th March.
Peter Weir MLA
Response from David McNarry 4 March 2010
ReplyDeleteHi Ian & Julie
My name is Alison Vidamour and my daughter is in Prep 6 at Regent. I have had a response from David McNarry today, in reply to my letter earlier this week. It is a positive response and I was pleased to see Mr McNarry is happy to be involved further - please note the PS. As organisers you or Julie might like to contact him and let him know about the sterling work to date.
Best Regards
Alison Vidamour
If you get permission from the person that you receive your response letter from we can add it to the blog. WE MUST HAVE BOTH PARTIES PERMISSION. This may be more suitable if you have received an email response though.
ReplyDeleteAlternatively you can add a "comment" to this post, summarising the gist of the response that you have received.
I have written permission from David McNarry and Alison Vidamour to post this letter on our blog.
ReplyDelete4 March 2010
Dear Ms Vidamour
Thank you for your letter regarding the proposed withdrawal of funding from the Preparatory Departments of Grammar Schools.
The Ulster Unionist Party’s stance on this issue is a follows:-
The 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.
letter contd...
ReplyDeleteThe 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.
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 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.
I assure you this is the stance both I and my Party will be taking and I will ensure a strong voice is heard from Strangford.
Yours sincerely,
David McNarry
David McNarry MLA
PS:
I believe it would be useful if the P.T.A mobilized itself against the Minister’s intentions. To which end I would make myself available to attend a meeting organized for such purposes at your request.
Hi
ReplyDeleteI have heard today that one of our parents, Paul Rose, has received very positive and supportive responses from Dr Alasdair McDonnell SDLP and also from Naomi Long and Sean Neeson of Alliance.
It's particularly good to head from MLA's from both these parties as initial responses from them had been slow.
I have received a letter from the Children's Law Centre today. They confirm that they "have been contacted by a lot of concerned parents". Apparently "there may be a few areas of possible challenge if the decision is made to withdraw the funding". They have informed me that will be in touch with parents as soon as the Department have made their decision.
ReplyDeleteSo that's positive feedback from them.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI have received a VERY positive and supportive letter from the Children's Commissioner (NICCY) today, 13th March 2010. NICCY are critical of the proposal and make many relevant points.
The Commissioner has attached the NICCY response to DENI's proposal. It is very detailed and supportive of us.
Please see the top of this post for a link to the NICCY response.
I have received this morning a very personal and supportive letter from Margaret Ritchie, Leader of the SDLP.
ReplyDeleteShe shares our concerns on the impact of the children that cutting funding will cause. She is aware that the issue is contentious and is very aware the we are not happy with the consultation process.
She mentions that the "SDLP will be calling on the Minister to produce a solution which is acceptable to the school authorities and the Department" and she also says that their Education Spokesman, Dominic Bradley will be raising the issue in both the Education Committee and on the floor of the Assembly and that "the issue will be debated in the Assembly to ensure the best possible outcome is achieved."
I have received a letter from Bob Collins, Chief Commissioner for the NI Equality Commission, today 13th March 2010.
ReplyDeleteHe writes to tell me that they have now prepared their own response to the consultation and enclosed a copy of it for my information.
The letter to Chris Roberts, Schools Finance Branch, Department of Education makes the following points which I have summarised.
...The general principle of ceasing funding to prep departments must be carefully considered by the Dept, especially for those children who are currently within these schools.
...Due consideration must be given to the need to promote equality of opportunity in respect of Section 75
... notes that there will be a possible adverse impact on the Protestant and Other Religion declared children.
...they are disappointed that greater consideration has not been given to potential impact on parents with children in prep departments as they fall within the people with dependants scope of the Section 75 provisions. Impacts include concerns for children re schooling arrangements and the timing of any proposed changes.
... they express concern that not all options which could have been subject of equality impact assessment have been included in the Draft EIA eg, change of status or open enrolment, suggestion of equal funding to Primary Schools.
... 8 week consultation period seems "unnecessarily rushed".
... significant concern that short timescale does not allow for full range of options to be given proper consideration.
...terminating funding in months will lead to two inevitable consequences, both of which have the potential to have an effect on equality of opportunity.
.. issue of immediate change of funding context
... issue of reasonable expectation that current arrangements would endure
...the proposed change in the funding arrangements may lead parents to seek alternative possibilities, but the time available in respect of existing pupils or those expected to commence in September is "very limited indeed".
Commission "recognises that preparatory departments do provide a very high standard of education to the children" and "for many people in Northern Ireland have a great significance."