Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Education how many 'learning support units' have been established in schools; and to make a statement.

(AQW 964/01)

The Minister of Education (Mr McGuinness): If the question refers to special education units for children with statements of special educational needs, there are currently 64 units attached to primary schools and 41 attached to secondary schools. If the question refers to in-school units where pupils are withdrawn for short periods of intensive support, the establishment of such units is a matter for individual schools; no record is kept centrally of numbers of such units.

Mr Mark Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail the current level of school truancy and exclusions.

(AQW 985/01)

Mr McGuinness: The most recent returns from the education and library boards are for the 2000/01 school year. During that year 84 pupils were expelled, 5,388 pupils were suspended and 10,382 pupils were referred to the Education Welfare Service for attendance related problems.

Mr Mark Robinson asked the Minister of Education what progress is being made in tackling truancy and indiscipline in schools.

(AQW 986/01)

Mr McGuinness: My Department has set targets in the Programme for Government and the draft Public Service Agreement for improved attendance at school and to reduce the number of pupils who are multiply suspended. These targets will be reflected in the business plans for the education and library boards and progress will be monitored each year. In addition there are a number of projects aimed at retaining in education specific groups of young people at risk of 'dropping out'. My Department has also recently issued comprehensive guidance to schools on promoting positive behaviour, and each Education and Library Board has established a multi-disciplinary Behaviour Support Team to work with teachers and individual pupils.

Mr Wilson Clyde asked the Minister of Education to detail his plans for a replacement school at Loanends Primary School, Antrim; and to make a statement.

(AQW 1012/01)

Mr McGuinness: My Department accepts the need for a new school for Loanends and has been communicating with the North-Eastern Education and Library Board about revisions to its Economic Appraisal on the accommodation needs of the school. When the appraisal is finalised, formal planning of the project can proceed to enable it to be considered for a place in the capital programme.

Mr Tom Hamilton asked the Minister of Education to detail any provision within the school curriculum for the encouragement of lateral thinking by pupils as opposed to systems thinking.

(AQW 1025/01)

Mr McGuinness: As a result of various CCEA and ELB initiatives there is already an awareness and understanding in schools of lateral thinking. As part of the current curriculum review, CCEA proposes the introduction of a generic skills framework which would specifically include a Thinking Skills category. The Review also aims to promote critical and creative thinking more explicitly through all subjects.

My Department is also co-funding a research project on Sustainable Thinking Classrooms, the aim of which is to create and evaluate practical teaching strategies to improve classroom learning in primary schools, through enhancing pupils' thinking skills across the curriculum.

Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Education what steps he will take to consult business and industry in an effort to design the curriculum for school age pupils to meet the needs and educational demands expressed by employers.

(AQW 1026/01)

Mr McGuinness: In undertaking the current review of the curriculum the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) has proposed that a specific programme for Employability should be provided, as a statutory requirement for all young people in Key Stages 3 and 4. One of the objectives of the review is to encourage pupils to develop the skills and qualities which they will need for the world of work. There has been (and will continue to be) widespread consultation with employers to ensure that their needs are taken into account in a revised curriculum and an Employability Advisory Group has also been set up to co-ordinate their views.

Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Education to detail (a) the cost of and (b) to whom he is providing hospitality during the month of December 2001.

(AQW 1067/01)

Mr McGuinness: The estimated cost of hospitality during December is £145.00 and was incurred in respect of meetings I held with various groups and organisations.

Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister of Education what information he provides to students in relation to additional costs, such as medical, that may result if they decide to study in another EU State outside the UK.

(AQW 1080/01)

Mr McGuinness: I am not aware of any students of compulsory school age studying in another EU State.

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 772/01, to make a statement in relation to the number of applications for nursery places in the Newtownards area for 2000-01 and the number of places provided.

(AQW 1104/01)

Mr McGuinness: Figures in AQW 772/01 include multiple applications from parents applying to more than one nursery school. Including 26 places which have been provided at the nursery unit at Abbey from September 2001, the number of statutory nursery places in the Newtownards area has increased from 156 to 234. A further 101 places in the voluntary/private sector in the Newtownards area are being funded under the Pre-School Education Expansion Programme bringing the overall number of places available to 335. Based on the estimated 346 pre-school children in the Newtownards area, there are therefore places for around 97% of the pre-school cohort.

Mr Mark Robinson asked the Minister of Education what percentage of primary and secondary school pupils are currently recognised as having special educational needs.

(AQW 1115/01)

Mr McGuinness: The October 2000 school census shows 1.43% of primary school children have statements of special educational needs and 1.53% of those in secondary schools. These percentages include both those in mainstream classes and those in special education units. Figures are not yet available for October 2001.

Mr Mark Robinson asked the Minister of Education to outline what guidance is available for teachers in relation to the supervision of children with special needs during non-teaching periods of the school day.

(AQW 1117/01)

Mr McGuinness: Children with statements of special educational needs have their needs assessed and provided for on an individual basis. Under special education legislation where a child with a statement attends an ordinary school, the Board of Governors must use its best endeavours to secure that the required special educational provision is made. Where additional help is required, Education and Library Boards provide classroom or other assistance which may cover non-teaching periods of the school day.

Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Education what representations he has received in respect of the ethos of post-primary schools in all educational sectors.

(AQW 1132/01)

Mr McGuinness: In response to the Burns Report, my Department has received three submissions expressing concern about grammar schools maintaining their academic ethos in the absence of selection by academic ability. Questions about the ethos of schools were also raised at some of the information seminars undertaken by the Burns Review Body.

The ethos of a school is about the values to which it subscribes rather than the academic ability of the pupils it admits.

Mr Tom Hamilton asked the Minister of Education to outline (a) if he has established any Departmental Committees or bodies to oversee the implementation of the Burns Report, or any aspect thereof, in advance of full public consultation on these proposals having taken place; and (b) if any such bodies or Committees are in the process of being formed and, if so, what is their remit.

(AQW 1141/01)

Mr McGuinness: No committees or bodies have been established to oversee implementation of the Burns Report. Everyone with an interest or an opinion has until 17 May 2002 to respond to the proposals and no decisions will be taken until I have considered all the comments. A small team of my Department's officials has been established to manage the consultation process, receive and analyse comments and bring forward proposals for decision in due course.

Rev Dr William McCrea asked the Minister of Education to detail the amount of funding allocated for (a) capital; and (b) maintenance costs at Rainey Endowed School, Magherafelt in each of the last 3 years.

(AQW 1143/01)

Mr McGuinness: The respective capital and maintenance expenditure at each school is indicated below:

(1) 'Capital' represents the combined capital expenditure by education and library boards (including expenditure on school meals accommodation) and capital grants by the Department of Education.

(2) 'Maintenance' represents the combined 'landlord' maintenance expenditure by education and library boards and 'tenant' maintenance expenditure by each school (except Rainey Endowed and St Mary's Grammar Schools, Magherafelt).

(3) Maintenance expenditure by Rainey Endowed and St Mary's Grammar Schools, Magherafelt is met from within their recurrent funding allocations under the Local Management of Schools (LMS) arrangements and the figures shown represent the maintenance expenditure indicated in the respective school accounts for the last three years.

Rev Dr William McCrea asked the Minister of Education to detail the amount of funding allocated for (a) capital; and (b) maintenance costs at Maghera High School, in each of the last 3 years.

(AQW 1144/01)

Mr McGuinness: The respective capital and maintenance expenditure at each school is indicated below:

(1) 'Capital' represents the combined capital expenditure by education and library boards (including expenditure on school meals accommodation) and capital grants by the Department of Education.

(2) 'Maintenance' represents the combined 'landlord' maintenance expenditure by education and library boards and 'tenant' maintenance expenditure by each school (except Rainey Endowed and St Mary's Grammar Schools, Magherafelt).

(3) Maintenance expenditure by Rainey Endowed and St Mary's Grammar Schools, Magherafelt is met from within their recurrent funding allocations under the Local Management of Schools (LMS) arrangements and the figures shown represent the maintenance expenditure indicated in the respective school accounts for the last three years.

Rev Dr William McCrea asked the Minister of Education to detail the amount of funding allocated for (a) capital; and (b) maintenance costs at Magherafelt High School, in each of the last 3 years.

(AQW 1145/01)

Mr McGuinness: The respective capital and maintenance expenditure at each school is indicated below:

(1) 'Capital' represents the combined capital expenditure by education and library boards (including expenditure on school meals accommodation) and capital grants by the Department of Education.

(2) 'Maintenance' represents the combined 'landlord' maintenance expenditure by education and library boards and 'tenant' maintenance expenditure by each school (except Rainey Endowed and St Mary's Grammar Schools, Magherafelt).

(3) Maintenance expenditure by Rainey Endowed and St Mary's Grammar Schools, Magherafelt is met from within their recurrent funding allocations under the Local Management of Schools (LMS) arrangements and the figures shown represent the maintenance expenditure indicated in the respective school accounts for the last three years.

Rev Dr William McCrea asked the Minister of Education to detail the amount of funding allocated for (a) capital; and (b) maintenance costs at St Colm's High School, Draperstown in each of the last 3 years.

(AQW 1146/01)

Mr McGuinness: The respective capital and maintenance expenditure at each school is indicated below:

(1) 'Capital' represents the combined capital expenditure by education and library boards (including expenditure on school meals accommodation) and capital grants by the Department of Education.

(2) 'Maintenance' represents the combined 'landlord' maintenance expenditure by education and library boards and 'tenant' maintenance expenditure by each school (except Rainey Endowed and St Mary's Grammar Schools, Magherafelt).

(3) Maintenance expenditure by Rainey Endowed and St Mary's Grammar Schools, Magherafelt is met from within their recurrent funding allocations under the Local Management of Schools (LMS) arrangements and the figures shown represent the maintenance expenditure indicated in the respective school accounts for the last three years.

Rev Dr William McCrea asked the Minister of Education to detail the amount of funding allocated for (a) capital; and (b) maintenance costs at St Mary's Grammar School, Magherafelt in each of the last 3 years.

(AQW 1147/01)

Mr McGuinness: The respective capital and maintenance expenditure at each school is indicated below:

(1) 'Capital' represents the combined capital expenditure by education and library boards (including expenditure on school meals accommodation) and capital grants by the Department of Education.

(2) 'Maintenance' represents the combined 'landlord' maintenance expenditure by education and library boards and 'tenant' maintenance expenditure by each school (except Rainey Endowed and St Mary's Grammar Schools, Magherafelt).

(3) Maintenance expenditure by Rainey Endowed and St Mary's Grammar Schools, Magherafelt is met from within their recurrent funding allocations under the Local Management of Schools (LMS) arrangements and the figures shown represent the maintenance expenditure indicated in the respective school accounts for the last three years.

Mr Mark Robinson asked the Minister of Education how he intends to reduce the amount of time teachers spend on administration.

(AQW 1148/01)

Mr McGuinness: My aim is to reduce bureaucracy to the minimum consistent with supporting effective teaching. In 1998 my Department issued a Circular which provided detailed advice and guidance about minimising the bureaucratic burden. Further guidance issued in October 2000.

Since 1998, a Working Group has been examining how the external demands on schools can be rationalised and the bureaucratic burden reduced. Research is being carried out into the impact of the guidance issued.

Mr Mark Robinson asked the Minister of Education what guidance he has issued regarding educating children who have been permanently excluded from school.

(AQW 1151/01)

Mr McGuinness: No specific guidance about the type of education to be provided has issued. Alternative education arrangements for these pupils need to be tailored to meet individual circumstances. However, Regulations require that a pre-expulsion meeting be held between the Principal, the Chairman of the Board of Governors, the parent(s) of the pupil, a designated officer from the relevant education and library board, and, where appropriate, a designated officer of CCMS, to consider both the proposed expulsion and the future provision of suitable education for the pupil concerned.