Commissioner comments on new NIPSO powers to investigate schools

31 March 2017 News

Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, Koulla Yiasouma, comments on new Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman (NIPSO) powers to investigate schools:

“I look forward to working with the Ombudsman on the extension of her powers to oversee maladministration in schools. The nature of the relationships between pupils, parents and teaching staff can, at times, be difficult. As Commissioner for Children and Young People I will continue to assist pupils and parents to raise concerns with schools at the earliest opportunity, in the child’s best interests. Where concerns remain, we will help them to go through the school’s complaints procedure to its conclusion. I welcome that the Ombudsman can now provide an extra level of scrutiny over the school’s complaints process so that ultimately, schools deliver effectively for their pupils.”