O’Dowd publishes new policy for Shared Education

Date published: 16 September 2015

The new policy sets out the proposed way forward for shared education and provides a framework to ensure shared education is embedded throughout the education sector ensuring a high quality, shared learning experience is delivered for every child.

Sharing Works addresses recommendations made by the Education Committee last week following its Inquiry into Shared and Integrated Education and also recent recommendations from the Ministerial Advisory Group.

Launching the policy, Minister O’Dowd said:

“Support for shared education is one that has widespread political and community support and this new policy has been developed and shaped taking account of recommendations made recently by the Education Committee and by the Ministerial Advisory Group on Shared Education, as well as a recent public consultation.

We know that a key feature of high performing education systems are equality and inclusion promoted through shared education and this policy will of course sit within a broader education policy framework designed to improve educational outcomes for young people".

Concluding Minister O’Dowd said:

“This new policy demonstrates the work already ongoing by my department in this important area. It also reflects many of the recommendations made by the education Committee just last week. My vision for the future of Shared Education is one of vibrant, self-improving education communities delivering educational benefits to learners, encouraging the efficient and effective use of resources, and promoting equality of opportunity, good relations, equality of identity, respect for diversity and community cohesion. This new policy and the Shared Education Bill which will be introduced to the Assembly in the Autumn will provide the powers to encourage and facilitate the development of shared education.”