Smart solutions to budget restrictions in the education sector

By Lisa McElherron - last updated on Thu, 11/11/2010 - 12:19

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The Integrated Education Fund provides a financial foundation for the development and growth of integrated schools in Northern Ireland. The IEF is committed to shared education as a sound financial decision in the face of constraints on public spending, as well as a model which benefits society through promoting inclusivity and diversity

There are more than sixty integrated schools where children of all faiths and none are educated together, with all cultures celebrated and nurtured. Demand for places in these schools exceeds capacity each year, reflecting a widespread wish to see more integration for our young people.

IEF believe that we are facing difficult economic decisions and a community in a state of flux. IEF's stance is unchanged: the current financial situation should be viewed as a gateway to altering education for the better. Whoever is in the position of spending money in the education system has to spend it to the benefit of the pupils and not the institutions.

IEF claim that "Any attempt by the government to salami-slice spending “here and there” weould be disastrous; we must avoid inflicting “death by a thousand cuts” on our education system. There is an over-capacity in education provision and at the same time many schools need capital investment. We also have the embarrassment of thousands of empty desks across all sectors. With a bit of courage and creativity in terms of education at least, we can actually devise a leaner, better service."

IEF research shows a growing movement towards sharing between schools through cross-community projects, often supported by charitable funding including the IEF’s own PACT scheme. Surveys have shown that more than 70% of parents would support their local school in taking the next step and becoming integrated. Their “Transformation Grants” programme is devised to offer a helping hand for those following that path.

One Parent-Governor, at a primary school which recently transformed to integrated status, said:

“We have always been a very friendly school, and fairly mixed. The idea of transformation to integrated status was to formalise this, to make the school known more widely as a school for all sections of the community.”

At a post-primary school, which transformed some time ago, integration means all communities, all nationalities, all abilities and all socio-economic backgrounds working and learning together.

The integrated ethos of the college is reflected in the pastoral care provided, curricular and extra-curricular activities offered and regular whole school events and initiatives which celebrate local and world-wide religious and cultural diversity. In addition, the college library and other resources are multi culturally inclusive. Governors, teaching and non-teaching staff are provided with additional, specific training in order to support the delivery of the integrated ethos. Financial help is available via the IEF to ease the journey towards integration.

Sharing resources through sharing is one way to save money – further along the spectrum, integrating the system would bring educational, economic and social dividends.