ASTI and TUI Conferences 2009

National Parents Council post primary

Representative organisation of Parents of students/children in post primary schools in Ireland.  There are approximately 740 post primary schools throughout the different management sectors with enrolment of about 350,000 students.

(Address to ASTI, TUI Conferences 09)

Jim addresses the ASTI National Conference

President, distinguished guests, delegates, I am delighted with this opportunity to address your annual conference here today.

I am doing so not only as a member of the PPEF, THE Post Primary Education Forum, but also as President of the National Parents Council post primary.

At the outset I wish to briefly present aspects of what NPCpp is doing on behalf of Parents in secondary schools and colleges and what is the vision for the future of this national organisation.

In the first instance it is important to recognise that all the work undertaken, be it at local school, regional or national levels carried out on a voluntary basis. It is also the case that presently there are approximately 370,000 second level students attending 740 or so schools and colleges and a further 400 or so education centres throughout Ireland. So it is a considerable undertaking to adequately represent such a group.

There are five constituent bodies which make up NPCpp, each constituent body puts forward 4 members as nominees and between us we manage the affairs of the one NPCpp, ie National Parents Council, post
primary.

Strategic Review ‘07
Following a national review by the board of NPCpp and with the help of the DES a strategy document was agreed by the five constituent bodies setting out a vision for the future of the organisation with specific aims and objectives.

NPCpp aims to provide a forum that actively supports parents and guardians in their parenting role and to interact effectively with schools and other education partners on issues that impact on the education, development and general well-being of young people within the post-primary education system.

In practical terms NPCpp has set about implementing its plan within its meagre resources. We operate with a DES grant which has remained unchanged in 7-8 years from which we fund a part-time administrator from our office, and some funding to constituent bodies to assist in parents work.

One of the most important activities undertaken by NPCpp has led to the formation of the PPEF, THE Post Primary Education Forum, at the end of 2007.

This developed from an initiative we, NPCpp, explored asking all the Partners in Education to consider the merits of establishing a forum.

I congratulate the ASTI for your constructive approach to this initiative and your ongoing commitment and participation.

This is the first time in Irish Education history that Parents, Management Bodies and Teacher Unions have come together in such a manner. This initiative has been led by Parents.

The Forum provides an opportunity for all of the named parties to address common issues and to establish a shared viewpoint on priorities for the future development of the second-level education sector.

The Forum meets regularly to discuss major issues of mutual concern and will, from time to time, make agreed public statements and representations to the appropriate authorities on important aspects of second-level education in Ireland.

The PPEF seeks to:

• - offer an informed and consensus view on key issues in post-primary education.
• - heighten Government and public awareness of key issues and secure public support for high priority investment in post-primary and further education.
• - establish mutually agreed overall approaches to policy on key issues and,
• - identify priority areas for development and investment in education.

Since the launch of the PPEF the economic and social landscape has changed dramatically. By the way the PPEF had no hand, act or part in it!

The dynamics in respect of developing a strategy for long term investment in our Education system has been railroaded into an emergency response unit dealing with a financial meltdown rather than an Educational Plan. The PPEF, through its membership, is attempting to highlight the difficulties and impact of the present situation and focus on the long term dimension. It should be pointed out at this stage that the Forum is part of an ongoing process aiming to support in the longer term a quality, well resourced Education system accessible to all our citizens.

With this aim in mind our strategy is to develop County by County structures for the PPEF. This will enable participation and onging communication between all the Education Partners at local and national level. Such a structure will provide for a strong voice for Education now and in the future.

The commitment of ALL PARTNERS in Education is at local as well as national level is essential.

In my view it is important that we all guard against VFM, the new acronym, overrunning Education planning. The education of our young people is NOT a production line activity. More than ever our students need an education environment that is well resourced enough to ensure they achieve their full potential and our nations ambitions.

In conclusion delegates I urge you to provide encouragement and support to all those involved in these initiatives. You all have a vital role to play. In darker economic times Partnership is crucial.

Remember also that Parental Engagement is everybody’s business and look to your own roles in schools in this area. Do consider also that greater attention is needed to the capacity and resources of parents to deliver. And while there is value in this for all partners it is particularly true for our students.

Go raibh mile maith agaibh go leir.