AQW 13147/22-27

Ms Kate Nicholl
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 10/06/2024
Answered On Date: 13/06/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education for his assessment of the findings of the On A Mission: Religious Practices in NI Primary Schools report published by Parents for Inclusive Education NI.

Answer:

I have noted the report from Parents for Inclusive Education Northern Ireland and my officials will issue a response in due course.

I visit many schools as it is important, as the Minister of Education, to engage with our school leaders and teachers. Schools, in turn, should engage with their community as appropriate when inviting external visitors to engage with pupils. I find schools to be a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. It is important that we continue to give schools the flexibility to decide their own approach with regard to the delivery of the curriculum including Religious Education.

I do believe however, that Christianity, like all faiths, has a significant role to play in the ethos of our schools.