News

Principals want greater autonomy to put children first

Those in power must work with school leaders to develop a professionally driven, accountable and transparent culture with children at its heart, a major conference has heard.

The annual gathering of the NAHT(NI) in Newcastle, Co Down placed children firmly at the centre of debate.

Special educational needs (SEN provision), school inspections and the new single Education Authority (EA) were among the topics debated.

Members also discussed issues including the need for the Department of Education to provide appropriate and improved guidance, support and resources to enable schools to meet the complex needs of pupils with challenging behaviour.

The union expressed concerns that there were increasing barriers being put in place regarding the psychological service to nursery schools which, it claimed, were hindering children's access to resources and support they required to enhance learning.

In addition, school leaders said they considered the existing model of funding for SEN provision to be unfit for purpose. The union called for "urgent action to amend the current model of funding to ensure that appropriate support and services are delivered to the learners when they are required".

NAHT(NI) president Jonathan Gray, said school leaders were being asked to do more than ever before with fewer resources.

"Yet they continue to rise to the challenge of ensuring the best outcome for children. We have to keep inspiring, developing and motivating our leaders to ensure that the children of Northern Ireland are best served today and in the years to come," he said.

"With the NI Assembly elections only a year away, we will be building on the work we have already done to develop our own manifesto. This document will become the guiding force for all the work we do in the coming months.

"There are many challenges ahead. The new government in Westminster, the current financial climate, and industrial action are all factors which school leaders need to take account of whilst focusing on moving forward and getting it right for learners. NAHT(NI) will be calling on the minister for education, ETI and the EA to engage in direct dialogue with school leaders to address the challenges ahead."

Mr Gray added that his union would like to see more autonomy for school leaders.

"We believe this will enable resources to be more effectively and appropriately used for front line services. Those in power must work with school leaders to develop a professionally driven, accountable and transparent culture with children at its heart," he said.

"NAHT (NI) believes that the key targets of reform must include budgetary distribution, the current inspection regime, assessment and how the needs of learners with special educational needs are most appropriately met."

Addressing the conference, education minister John O'Dowd urged greater collaboration in response to the challenges facing schools.

"I thank you for your dedication particularly during one of the most difficult financial environments that we have faced as a result of the Westminster government's reduction of the Executive's budget by £1.5billion over the last five years," he said.

"Unfortunately, this position is set to continue which will mean difficult times ahead and while I will do all in my power to make the case for education, the challenge for all of us - politicians,, trade unions and the teaching profession is to work together and plan for the years ahead."