To ask the Minister of Education when he and relevant officials from his Department and the Education Authority will meet with myself and representatives of the parents of Killinchy Primary School to address (i) ongoing issues relating to its Board of Governors; (ii) the lack of provision of COVID-19 policies by the Board to parents throughout the pandemic; and to discuss the actions that will be taken to address parents’ concerns.

As the managing authority for Killinchy Primary School, the Education Authority (EA) in its operational role provides direct support to schools and Boards of Governors. Killinchy Primary School is a controlled school and there are no DE governors. In light of this, and the services the EA provides, it is recommended that the Member contacts EA directly to arrange a meeting.

I understand from the EA that in addition to the range of routine support services provided to all schools, it has been working to support Killinchy Primary School in a more targeted way over the past 18 month period. Services involved in providing support include the School Development Service and Human Resource & Legal Services.

In summary, EA has:

Provided advice and guidance to the Board of Governors in its endeavours to address parental correspondence; in regard to minutes of Board of Governor meetings; and in relation to adherence to the Scheme of Management, in particular the election of a new chair;

Facilitated/supported as appropriate the respective processes required to select/elect governors to fill vacancies;

Provided advice and guidance to the Board of Governors in respect of effective governance;

Provided the school with a named ‘Cross Organisational Link Officer’ (COLO) who has maintained contact with the school principal;

Provided the school with a named School Improvement Professional who has been in regular contact with the school principal and vice principal;

Provided routine HR advice, guidance and support to governors and school Leaders;

Allocated a designated HR Link Officer to provide specialist advice, guidance and support to the school in regard to particular matters; and

Supported the school in the correct application of procedures.

EA can also provide advice and support to the school regarding strategic planning and related Leadership and Management issues. Provision of support for the school will continue from a range of services as required.

In relation to COVID-19 policies, my Department has issued guidance throughout the pandemic to principals and parents on policy changes on how to deal with COVID-19. It is however the responsibility of schools to disseminate any information that they feel is relevant. As most principals are secretary to the Board of Governors, there would be an expectation that any information from the Department would be brought to the attention of the Board of Governors. Governors are expected to work together to fulfil the Board of governors statutory functions in relation to the school. The Board of Governors is accountable for ensuring that its decisions support the best interests of the school and its pupils.