| Synopsis: |
The Education Bill provides for the establishment of the Education and Skills Authority ("ESA"), with the policy objective of the establishment of modern, fit for purpose administration arrangements for education. The new arrangements will focus on: assisting the raising of standards; providing support to schools and other education establishments; and ensuring the effective planning and delivery of the education estate, and access to the curriculum for learners. ESA will replace eight existing organisations, namely: Education and Library Boards; the Staff Commission for Education and Library Boards; the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS); and the Youth Council for Northern Ireland.ESA's principal functions will be: acting as the employing authority for all staff in all grant-aided schools; funding grant-aided schools, youth services, and educational services; providing (or securing the provision of) support to grant-aided schools, youth services, and other educational services; providing library services to grant-aided schools and other educational establishments; equipping and maintaining controlled and maintained schools; planning and securing the delivery of the education estate; and ensuring the adequacy of arrangements within education for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young persons. |