As part of New Decade, New Approach (NDNA) it has been agreed that “The Executive will establish an external, independent review of education provision, with a focus on securing greater efficiency in delivery costs, raising standards, access to the curriculum for all pupils, and the prospects of moving towards a single education system.”
The document states “the education system has a diversity of school types, each with its own distinctive ethos and values. However it is not sustainable. The parties acknowledge the progress made in developing new models of sharing, cooperation and integration. There is a desire to build on this as a basis for delivering long term improvements in the quality, equity and sustainability of the system. The parties agree that the Executive will commission and oversee an independent fundamental review with a focus on quality and sustainability.”
The Review will be expected to identify barriers within the education system which inhibit positive outcomes for children and young people as well as explaining structural issues which lead to inefficiencies or ineffectiveness.
It will provide a set of focused and strategic recommendations on how the Department and the Executive might improve outcomes for pupils, support to schools and the effectiveness of education administration.
The Review will consider all aspects of education policy and delivery. The Terms of Reference for the Review seeks to encompass the key aspects of the NDNA agreement (securing greater efficiency in delivery costs, raising standards, access to the curriculum for all pupils, and the prospects of moving towards a single education system).
The work will include consideration of the journey of children and young people throughout education and the outcomes they achieve; the support provided to schools and settings; and the design of the structures that deliver education locally.