Irish Vocational Education Association

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Community National Schools - Launch of Forum on Patronage and Pluralism in the Primary Sector
19 April 2011
"Diversity and parental choice are enshrined in education legislation so, with an increasingly diverse society and more choice demanded, Community National Schools represent a new departure in the options for parents and guardians of primary school children in Ireland." says IVEA's General Secretary, Michael Moriarty at the launch of the Forum on Patronage and Pluralism in the Primary Sector today (19th April).
Mr. Moriarty continues; "Being multi-belief schools and operating through an ethos of inclusivity and respect for all beliefs both religious and non-religious, Community National Schools provide a multi-belief education programme. In doing so they make reasonable accommodation for the wishes of parents or guardians, within the school setting, delivering faith formation during the day. This commitment is an important and distinguishing feature of these new primary schools."
"They are rooted in the local community and provide a welcoming, friendly, "open door" approach to parental and community involvement. They are founded in local communities and are child-centred, inclusive, multi-belief State schools which strive to provide a high quality primary education for every child"
Commenting on VEC patronage of Community National Schools Mr. Moriarty states: "For too long the voice of the state sector has not been heard in the patronage debate at primary sector level. State schools can provide quality education in as cost effective manner as possible. These schools provide an opportunity for the State to prepare children for the new multicultural Ireland."
"The development of Community National Schools will bring Ireland into line with other European countries; the State developing its own publically managed sector, through the VEC network, where all children can be educated in one school, regardless of religion, gender, ability or socioeconomic background."
The Irish Vocational Education Association (IVEA) is the representative body for the 33 Vocational Educational Committees (VECs) in Ireland, and works to protect, promote and enhance the interests of vocational education and training within the wider education sector and the country at large.
VECs deliver a wide range of educational services, from managing Community National Schools, second-level schools and colleges, Post Leaving Certificate colleges (PLCs) and education centres to providing training programmes for Travellers, adult literacy courses, prisoner education services, Youthreach programmes, Vocational Training Opportunities Schemes, and community education programmes.
VEC PLCs have developed a range of programmes and courses in response to the needs of industry and commerce which are certified by FETAC at levels 3 to 6, and by the professional bodies which set standards for entry into the professions.
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