Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister of Education to detail any steps he is taking to improve primary education provision in rural areas.
Minister of Education: I am committed to maintaining access to high-quality education for children living in rural communities. While declining pupil numbers present challenges for some schools, my Department recognises the important role rural schools play within their communities.
The Sustainable Schools Policy (SSP) recognises the needs of rural communities, and this is reflected in a lower enrolment threshold for rural primary schools, an accessibility criterion which provides guidance on home to school travel times, and a ‘strong links with the community’ criterion which recognises the central place a school has for many communities.
Through area planning, capital investment, school transport provision and support from the Education Authority to help schools deliver high-quality education, my Department will continue to work with schools and managing authorities to secure sustainable and accessible educational provision for pupils across rural Northern Ireland.
ENDS
Your MLA 