National convention on education will be established next year

Education minister Hildegarde Naughton said the national convention on education is a once in a generation opportunity to help shape the future of education in Ireland.  File picture: Ben Birchall

Children, young people, parents, and educators can now apply to take part in a “once in a generation” opportunity to help shape the future of education.

Applications are now open to become a member of the national convention on education due to be established next year.

Comprising  of 150 people across four groups, the focus of the convention will examine schools as well as the transitions from early years into primary, and from post-primary into further and higher education.

Its agenda will be formed early in the new year, and it is expected to look at the challenges and changes in the years ahead.  

Recommendations from the convention will go on to inform a new long-term Department of Education and youth strategy for schools in Ireland.  

Children and young people, their parents and guardians and educators can apply to become members at gov.ie/educationconvention.

Expressions of interest have also been circulated through schools.

Education minister Hildegarde Naughton said: “This is a once in a generation opportunity to help shape the future of education in Ireland.” 

Last convention on education held over 30 years ago

The last convention on education took place over 30 years ago, she added.

“A lot has changed since then. Education belongs to everyone and it is important that we hear from as wide a diversity of voices as possible.

“I would encourage anyone interested in sharing their views to submit an expression of interest to become a member of the Convention on Education.” 

The expression of interest form will remain open until January 16. 

Separately, parents have been urged to to have their say on the future of their primary school education before a national survey closes tomorrow.

Last week, just 34% of eligible households had taken part in the survey, the largest of its kind ever undertaken in Ireland. 

Parents have been asked to have their say on the demand for different types of primary school provision, including patronage, co-education, and Irish-medium provision.

The majority of primary schools in Ireland remain under Catholic patronage, despite moves in recent years to increase the number of non-denominational schools.

All responses to the survey will remain confidential and anonymous.

According to the department, it will appoint a facilitator to “assist the school community in their journey to becoming a multi-denominational school” where the survey finds “clear support” from parents for change.

Parents can take the survey here: www.gov.ie/primaryschoolsurvey.