Primary principals from 24 North Down schools have called for transfer tests to be suspended in 2020. Those primary schools are: Ballyholme, Ballymagee, Ballywalter, Bangor Central Integrated, Bloomfield, Carrowdore, Clandeboye, Crawfordsburn, Donaghadee, Glencraig Integrated, Grange Park, Holywood, Kilcooley, Kilmaine, Kircubbin Integrated, Kirkistown, Millisle, Portavogie, Rathmore, St. Comgalls, St. Malachys, St.Read More →

Proposals to lend digital devices to school children have been outlined by Education Minister, Peter Weir. During the current Covid-19 pandemic, schools have been closed except for vulnerable children and the children of key workers. Teachers have continued educating pupils through remote learning. The Minister said: “There are thousands of pupilsRead More →

Economy Minister Diane Dodds today confirmed she will bring forward dedicated legislation for Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay in Northern Ireland. The Department for the Economy will now proceed with a consultation on parental bereavement leave and pay. The consultation follows the recent introduction of Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay legislationRead More →

The Public Health Agency is reminding parents to be kind to themselves during the COVID-19 pandemic, and in turn they will be helping to protect their infant’s mental health. Infant mental health is the term used to describe the capacity of a child, during the first three years of life.Read More →

Education Minister, Peter Weir has announced temporary modifications to the assessment and school reporting legislation. The Minister has also a placed a temporary suspension on the collection of exams data, following the decision to cancel the summer 2020 examination series. Each year, schools are expected to produce a report forRead More →

The Department of Education Northern Ireland ‘Safer Schools’ digital safeguarding app is available, for the first time, to children and young people in Northern Ireland. Children and young people will be able to access advice on a range of digital issues, including safeguarding on social media platforms, bullying, sexting and emergingRead More →

Following the joint announcement by Education Minister Peter Weir and Health Minister Robin Swann of a £12m package of measures to support the childcare sector, the scheme is now open to eligible childcare providers. Speaking about the opening of the scheme, Health Minister Robin Swann said: “The Covid-19 Childcare Support SchemeRead More →

To mark the start of National Doughnut Week (Saturday 9 – 16 May) we’re sharing an easy recipe for baked, glazed doughnuts that you and the kids can do together. We like any excuse for doughnuts and the fact that they’re baked – not fried – means they are aRead More →

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon is urging the public to stay at home, stay safe and protect the health service ahead of the bank holiday weekend. Speaking today as she published average weekly traffic flow figures, Minister Mallon said:  “Lockdown isn’t easy – especially as the good weather continues and the bankRead More →

A phased return of schools in Northern Ireland in September is “extremely likely” according to education minister Peter Weir. Speaking on BBC Radio Foyle, he stated that “practical measures” needed to be addressed and the reopening of schools would be criteria led, not date led. Schools in Northern Ireland haveRead More →