Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister of Education whether any recent assessment has been made of the potential impact of funding pressures on the ability of rural schools to maintain (i) staffing levels; (ii) curriculum provision; and (iii) support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. Minister of Education: No specific … Continue reading AQW 52394/22-27 – Funding pressures on rural schools
Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 51716/22-27, whether any assessment has been made of the specific safeguarding risks arising from the use of AI-enabled and camera-equipped smart glasses in schools, early years providers, and any other educational settings within their remit attended by children. Minister of Education: … Continue reading AQW 52787/22-27 – AI-enabled and camera-equipped smart glasses in schools
Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister of Education to detail any steps being taken to ensure that food on school menus is locally sourced. Minister of Education: The Education Authority (EA) is operationally responsible for the provision of school meals in controlled and maintained schools. The EA seeks to maximise opportunities for … Continue reading AQW 52512/22-27 – Locally sourced food on school menus
Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister of Education to detail when the responses to the public consultation on the proposals for Curriculum 2028 will be published. Minister of Education: A timeframe for publication of the Department's response to the public consultation on the proposals for Curriculum 2028 has not yet been established. … Continue reading AQW 52790/22-27 – Consultation on Curriculum 2028
Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister of Education to detail any steps he is taking to improve the number of extracurricular activities offered to pupils at post-primary schools. Minister of Education: My Department provides funding in respect of the Extended Schools Programme (ESP), which allows schools serving the most disadvantaged areas to … Continue reading AQW 52127/22-27 – Extracurricular activities at post-primary schools
Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister of Education to detail any steps he is taking to support neurodivergent children transitioning from primary to secondary school. Minister of Education: For children with a Statement of Special Educational Needs, the annual review process provides an opportunity to consider future educational provision and planning for … Continue reading AQW 51715/22-27 – Supporting neurodivergent children
Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister of Education to detail any steps he is taking to ensure that students in post-primary education receive guidance on using artificial intelligence tools safely and responsibly. Minister of Education: Guidance on the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) was issued to education professionals through DE Circular … Continue reading AQW 51837/22-27 – Guidance for students using artificial intelligence tools safely
Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister of Education to detail any steps he is taking to ensure that post-primary schools offer a wide range of creative subjects for pupils at GCSE. Minister of Education: There is a wide range of qualifications, including in creative subjects, approved for teaching in schools in Northern … Continue reading AQW 52128/22-27 – Creative subjects for pupils at GCSE
