Questions and Answers
Q.1 Where do I find the draft area plans for post-primary provision?
A. There are five draft area plans for post-primary provision. These have been published by the five Education and Library Boards and can be found on the Boards’ websites via the following links:
Q. 2 Where do I find the draft area plans for primary provision?
A. The Education and Library Boards are planning to publish and consult on their draft area plans for primary provision in late Autumn.
Q. 3 How do I respond to the consultation on the draft post-primary area plans?
A. Each of the five Education and Library Boards has prepared a plan for its area and is responsible for the consultation on it.
The Boards have set up a dedicated website from which you can submit an on-line response to the consultation on the draft post-primary area plans. Alternatively, you can download a copy of the consultation questionnaire and return it by post to the relevant Board.
Go to: www.puttingpupilsfirst.info/
Q.4 When does the consultation on the draft post-primary area plans finish?
A. The public consultation ends on Friday 26 October 2012.
Q.5 Will my opinion matter?
A. Your views and opinions are valued and these will help inform and shape the final strategic area plan for post-primary provision within your area.
Q.6 What happens next?
A. After the consultation period has ended the Boards will consider all the replies they have received and will make any amendments they consider necessary as a result of what they have been told. When plans are finalised, they will be sent to the Department of Education for its consideration. It is ultimately for the Minister to decide whether these plans represent a sound basis on which to progress. His decision is expected by the end of December 2012 or early January 2013
Area planning on this scale is a continuing process rather than a one-off event. The current plans are ‘living documents’ that will be amended, enhanced and refined over time to adjust to changing needs and circumstances.
