A small group of us were present at the Education Committee Meeting this afternoon (Wed 21st April) at which the Education Budget 2010/11 was announced.
So too was the definite news that prep funding was secured although, with a reduction of 1/3 from September 2010. If my calculations are correct, finance wise will be receiving from Sept 2010 approximately £533 instead of £808 per child per year from Department of Education. In context of the Education Minister's initial aim via EQIA to remove all funding, I think we can be satisfied at this result.
In terms of this issue rearing it's ugly head again, this question was asked by the Education Committee to Department of Education and there was no indication of this being brought up again in the near future. John McGrath from DE said that "this is the end of the process."
The main issue is that our controlled status is currently secure and that has always been vital to Regent House School.
Education Budget information, commences 19 minutes 50 seconds.
Prep funding decision Part 2 - 6 minutes, 10 seconds and 20 minutes, 36 seconds.
Full item Click here
Preparatory Departments
The Minister also outlined her decision on the funding for preparatory schools in the future following the recent consultation process on the draft Equality Impact Assessment.
The Minister said: "My position on this issue has always been that funding of Preparatory Departments is an inequitable use of public money. I have given conscientious consideration to the responses to the EQIA and recognise that ending the funding completely may cause difficulties for parents and possible disruption in some schools. I have therefore decided to continue funding Preparatory Departments, but at a reduced level. The current level of funding will be reduced by one third from September 2010."
yeahh great news. Its about time we had some good news.
ReplyDeleteGreat job.
ReplyDeleteThanks to everyone who worked hard organising the responses and making us write all those letters!
The full audio of the NI Assembly Education Committee meeting of 21st April, is now available on this post. This was when the long awaited prep funding issue decision was announced.
ReplyDeleteRe: Question from Frankie Mottram re Facebook recent comment by a Mr Billy Caskey - not sure who Billy Caskey is (nothing to do with RHS) or how informed he is? He queries controlled schools current situation. His general questions have already been answered to our satisfaction.
ReplyDeleteOur Board of Governors, as you have all seen, have confirmed on the 23rd April in writing, that it's business as usual and that the disruption is over.
Billy Caskey queries solicitors in his last sentence? This issue has been in the hands of solicitors for months as you are all aware.
Dramatic messages such a Billy Caskey's in my opinion are not helpful.
We only post up-to-date, current and accurate information on this blog unlike social networking sites which by nature allow for wild speculation and hearsay!
Please refer to RHS blog for all the accurate information you need!