First Minister Congratulates Local Schools at National Awards Ceremony

The attitudes and aspirations of parents towards learning have a vital impact on their child’s education First Minister Peter Robinson told a national awards ceremony.

The Minister was speaking in the House of Commons at the National Conference of Parent Teacher Association (NCPTA) awards which recognise PTA best practice as well as providing grants to support parental involvement.

“Parents have the biggest single influence on their children’s lives. Learning begins long before a child starts school. It begins in the home during those vitally important early years. Parents are the first educators and should be part of a continuing partnership to support their child.

“We know that parents want to be involved and to support their child’s learning and that their attitudes to education and their aspirations for their children are key factors. So we need to support parents better and encourage schools to build better partnerships with their parents,” Mr Robinson explained.

Presenting awards to the winning schools from Belfast; Beechfield Primary in conjunction with St Joseph’s Primary School, Slate Street, and Tullycarnet Primary School, the First Minister praised the enthusiasm, dedication and commitment of the parents who have been involved.

He said: “These are two very encouraging projects which show the commitment and concern the parents and communities have for the education of their children: a commitment to support parents to become involved in their child’s education from the vitally important years.”

“The projects bring together teachers, parents and the community, and are excellent examples for others to learn from.”

Notes to Editors:

The ten year strategy “Our Children and Young People – Our Pledge” is available on the website www.allchildrenni.gov.uk

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