HL Deb 26 May 2004 vol 661 c138WA
Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How the distinctive character of individual schools will be preserved if the Costello report into education is implemented in Northern Ireland.[HL2958]

Baroness Amos

All schools in Northern Ireland have their own individual and distinctive ethos and character. The new post-primary arrangements will seek to build on these and will create greater flexibility so that schools can develop or enhance their own distinctive character.

Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What will be the cost of the implementation of the Costello report into education in Northern Ireland.[HL2960]

Baroness Amos

The shape of future post-primary arrangements will emerge from discussions involving schools and managing authorities at local level. It is not therefore possible to provide an overall assessment of cost at this point. Additional resources will be required and these will be matters which Ministers will consider as part of this year's spending review.

Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

In the event that the Costello report into education is implemented, how parents will be able to exercise a choice if, when schools are oversubscribed, the final decision for the placement of a child at secondary school could depend on a postcode or random computer selection. [HL3007]

Baroness Amos

Currently, over-subscribed schools use admissions criteria to determine who will be admitted. Many schools already use distance or random selection as their final criterion. No decisions have yet been taken on the admissions criteria to be used under the new arrangements and the aim is to have proposals available for consultation by the end of this year.

Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

In the event that the Costello report into education is implemented and a system of multi-institutions is established, how schools will be able to exercise responsibility for the welfare and safety of pupils while they are travelling to, or receiving lessons at, other locations.[HL3008]

Baroness Amos

Many schools and further education colleges have experience of these issues from the key stage 4 flexibility arrangements. Pupil safety and welfare are of prime importance and will be examined further as part of the pilots on school/further education collaboration in the coming school year.