Public consultation on RPA/education

The consultation will be for 12 weeks and will close on 7 August 2009.

Announcing the launch of the consultation, the Minister said:

"The RPA heralds major changes throughout the education sector, streamlining structures and redefining relationships, creating a new and fundamentally different approach to the way education is administered here.

"The case for educational change is clear. Too few of our young people are reaching their full potential. In 2006-07, over a third of school leavers were unable to achieve at least five GCSE grades A* to C. For socially disadvantaged areas that figure rose to just under two thirds.

"Our education system is failing too many of our most vulnerable young people: those from working class communities; Travellers; ethnic minorities; children with disabilities; school-age mothers and carers; looked after children; victims of violence - particularly young women and victims of homophobic and other forms of bullying.

"By supporting and challenging schools, I am satisfied that the RPA will lead to improved outcomes for all learners. The ESA will be a critical friend for school leaders assisting them to celebrate and reward success; identifying and addressing underachievement and providing improved local access to support services on the basis of equality.

"The greatest benefit of the RPA is that it will improve the lives of children and young people within our country.

"Nevertheless, I believe it is important that everyone has the opportunity to comment on how the changes I have proposed will impact on them. I want to be assured that the changes I am making will not have a detrimental impact, however unintended, on any section of our community.

"I therefore invite comments from anyone who feels that their interests are not promoted by the course we are pursuing or who feels that we could do better in protecting and advancing their educational interests."

The key elements of the Minister's proposals are:

• operational functions and services will be delegated to the new Education and Skills Authority (ESA), which will be responsible for the delivery of education support services to schools and youth providers;
• raising the quality of education through the creation of a better co-ordinated single policy administrative and planning framework;
• this framework will foster and support schools of different sectors and ethos, as the main drivers of educational improvement; and
• ESA will have responsibility for the school's estate under the RPA, including appraisals, development proposals, area-based planning and investment plans.

To download the consultation document please visit http://www.deni.gov.uk/index/85-about-the-dept/85-about_dept-consultations.htm