Commissioner Chris Quinn visited Arvalee School and Resource Centre, Omagh, this month to meet their student council members from across all school year groups.
Chris was truly inspired by the incredible work being done to support and empower children and young people. It was evident that pupils are flourishing, thanks to the dedication, creativity, and compassion of the staff.
Arvalee’s commitment to helping pupils grow, learn, and achieve together shines through in every aspect of school life. The school’s child-centred approach, where each child is valued, included, cared for, and celebrated, creates an environment that nurtures both academic and personal growth.
During the visit, pupils shared emotional firsthand accounts of their experiences within society and the education system that they feel too often excludes them. They spoke candidly about feelings of loneliness and isolation, the way they are sometimes perceived, or bullied by their peers, and the emotional impact this has on their lives.
Their voices were honest, moving, and deeply important. The Commissioner gave his word to amplifying these points at an upcoming meeting with Education Authority (EA) and Department of Education (DE) officials.
Reflecting on these conversations, the Commissioner said: “I feel strongly that we must urgently reconsider what an inclusive education system looks like. We need to move beyond putting labels on children and ensure that every child is seen, heard, and supported. I am concerned that current curriculum reform efforts could be a dangerous step backwards and I have reservations that the wider TransformED strategy may not be the right path forward. In fact, I fear they could represent a step backwards.
We must commit to bold, systemic change. Inclusion must go beyond policy language and be reflected in the lived experiences of children, especially those who are currently being failed. The government must listen and act on the views of children parents, carers, and the educational workforce to build an education system that works for every child.
Chris commented that we must fully incorporate the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and all its articles into domestic law. This would represent the single most impactful piece of legislation the Northern Ireland Executive could deliver for children and young people.
In relation to education for children with additional needs, incorporation would provide stronger legal protections based on the principle of equal opportunity. It would ensure that education is directed towards the development of each child’s personality, talents, and mental and physical abilities to their fullest potential, while also developing a societal respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms, and the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.
Incorporation could also help guarantee that further and higher education is accessible to all, based on capacity and supported by every appropriate means.
Chris added: “Each and every one of the pupils at Arvalee is an inspiration. I thank you for trusting me with your accounts of your lived experiences and I will continue to do all that I can to ensure that your rights are fully safeguarded, promoted and protected.”
