Alliance Education spokesperson Chris Lyttle MLA has said a two-week postponement of transfer tests will not make up for several months of missed learning in classrooms. Mr Lyttle was speaking after AQE announced their tests will be held on November 21, 28 and December 12, while the PPTC tests will be on December 5. “A […]
Alliance Education spokesperson Chris Lyttle MLA has said alternative methods of payment must be found for families unable to access free school meal payments during the coronavirus pandemic due to lack of a bank account. Mr Lyttle, Chair of the Assembly Education Committee, has raised the matter with Education Minister Peter Weir and questioned the […]
Alliance MLA Chris Lyttle has called for a special dedicated press conference for children and young people by the First and Deputy First Ministers to answer questions relating to the coronavirus pandemic. Mr Lyttle, who took part in an online discussion with the Northern Ireland Youth Forum last week on the issue, said similar press […]
Alliance MLA Chris Lyttle has welcomed the creation of a walking and cycling champion within the Department of Infrastructure. Chris said: “As the All Party Assembly Group on Cycling Chairperson, it is welcome to hear the Department is renewing its duty to promote and enhance cycling and walking for everyone. “This global pandemic has changed […]
Not using transfer tests for post-primary admission must be given serious consideration by the Education Minister, Alliance MLA Chris Lyttle has said, after the AQE organisation postponed the registration date for its transfer test. Registration for P6 pupils has been delayed until May 14, with AQE saying it is to provide clarity for paretns due to the […]
Alliance Education spokesperson Chris Lyttle MLA has welcomed news teachers have backed a pay deal to bring an end to a dispute over salary and workload. Members of all teaching unions voted in favour of the deal from the Department of Education, which will see a backdated pay rise from September 2017. Negotiations on teachers’ […]
Alliance Education spokesperson Chris Lyttle MLA has welcomed a commitment by the Education Minister that fair teacher pay and conditions is moving in a “positive direction”. The comment by Peter Weir came at today’s Assembly Education Committee, followed by a formal offer to the main teaching unions. Mr Lyttle, Chair of the Committee, said he […]
Fairness and equity must be at the heart of the process awarding pupils grades in the cancelled GCSE, AS and A-Levels, Alliance Education spokesperson Chris Lyttle MLA has said. It follows Education Minister Peter Weir confirming teachers will predict the grades they think pupils would have achieved, with schools also asked to rank pupils in […]
Alliance Education spokesperson Chris Lyttle MLA has welcomed the launch of a new App to help children stay safe online. The Safer Schools App, developed by the iNEQE Safeguarding Group, has been made available free of charge to parents, teachers and carers. Chris Lyttle said: “Today’s children spend much more time online than any previous […]
Alliance Education spokesperson Chris Lyttle MLA has welcomed a new report from NICCY into Special Education Needs (SEN) provision in schools. Alliance MLA Chris Lyttle said: “I thank the Children’s Commissioner and team for the extensive work undertaken on this comprehensive investigation of Special Educational Needs provision, which further establishes that the rights of children […]