Today (Wed 12 May), members of NAHT NI, the union for school leaders in Northern Ireland, gather for a virtual AGM.

NAHT NI President Graham Gault will address delegates. In his speech, he will criticise the approach of policy-makers in Northern Ireland, whilst praising the response of school leaders operating in unprecedented times.

He will say: “Overnight, you all recreated your entire school provision, with very questionable guidance and support from where you should have expected it. When guidance did come, it was ambiguous and contradictory and, in many cases, unrealistic. In NAHT, we were very disappointed at the lack of genuine consultation and the last-minute nature of announcements, often through social media feeds.

“We have made it clear that the Department of Education is unhealthily distant from the reality of frontline education provision, and all bodies now recognise that there is a need to redress the schism that exists between the DE and school leadership.”

Paul Whiteman, NAHT’s general secretary will also address the AGM. In his speech he will say: “The bravery and dedication of school leaders and their teams has seen education through what we hope will be the worst of the pandemic. Thank you to all in the profession for your support to the children and communities you serve. For me, being able to give voice to that dedication is an honour.

“Across the political spectrum there is agreement that more needs to be done to support children. There is agreement that this will take extra time and extra resources. It is now absolutely essential that the Stormont government increases school funding overall, puts forward credible plans for education recovery, and supports school leaders and their teams to deliver it.”

Press and Media contacts:

Steven George
NAHT Head of Press and Media
01444 472886
07970 907730

Rose Tremlett 
Senior Press Officer 
07545 354363

Email : press.office@naht.org.uk