My Message to Parents of P6 Pupils

I know that a lot of you are anxious over the lack of clarity over the Transfer to Post Primary education on 2010. My own grandson is also in the same position as he is not sure either what school he will be going to when he finishes primary school, so I share a lot of your anxieties.

No matter what choice you have made, I respect your commitment to supporting your children and applaud the fact that so many of you have communicated your views.

My job is to promote and safeguard the rights and best interests of children and young people. You will find a press release on this site outlining my position. Please take the time to read it, and my response to the Government’s Transfer 2010 consultation.

My views on academic selection are well known. I want it to end. Right now I also want the confusion facing you and your children to be resolved.

I have called on the Education Minister and the Northern Ireland Executive to end that confusion.

I want to thank each one of you who has spoken, written and called me to share your views.

When the final set of criteria is published later this year I give you my commitment that I will look at these closely. I will monitor and if necessary investigate these to make sure that the rights and best interests of children and young people are to the fore.