AQO 1927/08

Mrs Naomi Long
Alliance Party
East Belfast

Tabled Date: 29/01/2008
Answered On Date: 14/02/2008
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education to provide an update on the progress of the review of the School Buildings Handbook.

Answer:

Tá obair faoi lán seoil le Lámbhleabhar na mBunscoileanna a athbhreithniú. Le deireannas, bhuail Craobh Tógála na Roinne le grúpa de phríomhoidí bunscoile a raibh scoileanna nua-thógtha acu lena gcleachtadh agus a mbarúlacha a phlé maidir leis an Lámhleabhar.

Work is currently underway to review the Primary School Handbook. The Department's Building Branch have recently met with a group of primary school Principals who have had recent new build schools, to discuss their experiences and their views on the Handbook. It is also intended to meet with other education stakeholders who are closely involved in the planning / design of new schools to obtain their views. It is planned to have the review of the Primary School Handbook completed by the Autumn of 2008.

The Post-Primary Handbook was substantially reviewed in 2003 and there has not been the same requirement to undertake a review of it again. The Department will, however, be considering what further improvements are required through engagement with the education sector.