The Minister was speaking at the last annual conference of the Association of Education and Library Boards. The Minister acknowledged the contribution of staff to education and asked for their continued support.
The Minister said: "If the political will exists, the Executive objective of 1 January 2010 for the establishment of the Education and Skills Authority (ESA), could still be achieved.
“I will however in the coming days, announce interim plans to ensure a smooth transition between the current structures and ESA, in the absence of political goodwill in achieving the Executive decision to have ESA in place by 1 January 2010.
“A reconstitution of the Boards as currently constructed is not an option. It is neither practical nor in line with stated Executive policy for radical reform of the education system. However, it is imperative that the work already underway to reform the administration of education continues without further delay.
“I am grateful for the support of many who have met with me regularly to ensure a smooth transition to the new arrangements. I know that all across the education sector want to see the new structures quickly functioning effectively, to ensure continuity of service in education to children, young people and staff in all locations.
“This work is vital and for that reason I intend to press ahead with new governance arrangements from 1 January 2010 to ensure that the momentum towards ESA is not lost. This is particularly important as we face the real challenges of tightening budgets and the hard decisions that will need to be taken in coming months. Reconstituting the Boards as they are now is not practical or desirable, but I will use existing legislation to put structures in place to ensure the seamless running of our education service to schools, youth services and society.
“The delay in establishing ESA has meant that savings of £21million in total costs of excess bureaucracy, which are already factored into our financial plans, have yet to be achieved. Savings that could have gone straight to frontline services in schools. Those savings will now have to be found in other areas and this will be a huge challenge.
“ESA will have a key role in raising educational standards for every child in our schools. That is something that must be a priority for all in positions of responsibility and I expect the full co-operation of every Board in implementing all aspects of our Every School a Good School policy.”
The Minister also spoke to delegates about the need to put children at the heart of education, where equality was reflected in every policy and every decision. The Minister said: "We have a range of reforms underway which will work together to improve education for every child and young person in our schools. It is vital that raising educational standards and closing the educational gap is a priority for everyone involved in education. We need to ensure young people have the opportunity to get the maximum benefit from their time in school to prepare them for the rest of their lives."
Notes to editors:
- A full copy of the Minister’s speech is available at the Department of Education website
- Media enquiries to the Department of Education Press Office on 028 9127 9701. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
