The Executive has today, Thursday 15 April, agreed a package of relaxations to the current Coronavirus Health Regulations including the reopening of close contact services and outdoor visitor attractions from 23 April then bars, restaurants and cafes (outdoors only) and all retail from 30 April. From April 23: Resumption of driving instruction and theory tests;Read More →
Ramadan is here, but how much do those of other faiths, or none, know about this important religious festival? Former primary school teacher Catherine Lynch of education resource experts PlanBee takes a closer look at why and how Muslims celebrate Ramadan and considers what the whole family can learn from its customs and rituals… A Pillar of Islam Ramadan is one of the FiveRead More →
Education charity Into Film has launched an exciting new initiative to use the magic of movies to help pupils create stories. Story Builder is an activity pack for young people aged eight to 11, which catches pupils’ imaginations and allows them space to create and build their own stories asRead More →
The ‘Real Rugby Heroes – Game Changers’ fund will reward the efforts of clubs and volunteers throughout Ulster who have embodied the spirit of community rugby by keeping their players and the community engaged throughout the pandemic. Entries to date have shown the incredible impact that Ulster Rugby clubs andRead More →
The Department of Health has launched a consultation to extend modifications to children’s social care regulations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The principal aim of the proposals is to enable HSC Trusts to undertake a number of their statutory duties in relation to vulnerable children in different ways or withinRead More →
The Expert Panel on Educational Underachievement has published its interim report. The Panel, established under the ‘New Decade, New Approach’ agreement, is examining links between persistent educational underachievement and socio-economic background. A wide range of oral and written evidence has been considered by the Panel, to determine what policy changes areRead More →
Pupils in all primary and post-primary schools will return to school after the Easter holidays. This follows a review during the Executive’s meeting on Thursday 1 April when it was agreed that the remaining students in years 8 to 11 could resume face-to-face teaching from 12 April. Education Minister Peter WeirRead More →
A decade on from the first statutory child poverty strategy in Northern Ireland, a leading children’s charity report finds there’s been no reduction in the rate of child poverty in the country, which remains stubbornly high. Save the Children’s findings reveal that twice as many children in poverty are growing up in workingRead More →
Today, it was announced that Belfast has won the bid to host One Young World in 2023, a global summit that brings together over 2000 young leaders from over 190 countries with the aim of tackling some of the most pressing issues of our time. This landmark opportunity will putRead More →
Ballymena born Hollywood actor Liam Neeson has sent a special video message to the parents, staff and governors of schools around Northern Ireland who want to transform to integrated status. Mr Neeson spoke as Seaview Primary School in Glenarm became the first Catholic school here to have been approved forRead More →
The Cinemagic ‘On the Pulse’ short film festival presents a digital edition running until 31st March. The Festival, celebrating the short film genre, is funded by the Department for Communities through Northern Ireland Screen, and presents an online programme of unmissable films for children, families, schools, young adults and young filmmakers,Read More →
Education Minister Peter Weir has welcomed the phased return of Sure Start and youth services The Executive has given approval for initial steps to be taken in resuming some early years programmes, including Sure Start, and youth services allowing the gradual re-opening of programmes to support children and young peopleRead More →