CSSC AGM  – The Next Chapter 18 November 2021 (Virtual)

As CSSC turns the page to the next chapter following it’s first four years, the task is to build upon firm foundations. We must take the time to remind ourselves of one of our key purposes which is to address the historical deficit of support for controlled schools, you their leaders and your staff and more importantly the communities and children and young people that you serve.

Our strategy as we move into the next Council period which coincides with an important period politically and the ongoing Independent Review of Education is to challenge and support the Education Authority (EA), as the managing authority of controlled schools, to be the best managing authority it can possibly be. We understand the challenges faced by the EA as both the managing authority for controlled schools and the wider service provider to all schools, however this must be overcome to ensure that there is equality of support across all sectors.

In reviewing services, policies and procedures the EA must ask itself what more it should specifically be doing for Controlled schools. There may not always be something substantive, however without this controlled schools proofing, there will remain the risk that this equality of support to all schools is not provided. We are confident that with the positive relationship that exists between EA and CSSC and the understanding that there is an important task at hand we can make progress on this our core focus over this period.

Collaboration is more than a Memorandum of Understanding and Protocols. Collaboration is more than working side by side. Collaboration is working with a common purpose. EA and CSSC must work together to ensure that equality of support for controlled schools is delivered.

When we talk about “our” schools we must remember that with that relationship comes an obligation.

As you may be aware CSSC is a voluntary body without a statutory remit. We are not a designated body. On one hand this provides an element of freedom but on the other there is no duty on other bodies or organisations to consult with us on behalf of controlled schools.

It is vital that all bodies recognise that CSSC has a core function as the representative voice for you, controlled schools. It is good to have the support and understanding of the Minister, however there is more progress to be made with the Department to ensure at all levels and functions officials are aware of the need for CSSC to be present in strategic discussions, consultations and processes where controlled schools need representation. We should not be an optional extra because controlled schools are not optional extras.

Another important area as we move forward is working with you to celebrate the diverse and inclusive nature of our schools and the children and young people we serve. Our schools are proudly open to all. We have a lead role to play in the future of Northern Ireland. It is vital that as we move forward, we move forward together, with a common purpose. We all need to continue to work collaboratively with other sectors through shared education partnerships and other collaborative groupings. We need to overtly give the message that we are inclusive. We need to continue to be connected to our local communities but also consider how we are seen by those communities. It is important to draw attention to the highly effective work already carried out by CSSC in developing the Ethos self-evaluation toolkit and supporting schools to use it to explore ethos within their own individual settings.

It is vital that we celebrate all phases represented in the sector; nursery, special, primary and post-primary and that we celebrate all types, controlled, controlled integrated and controlled IM. We are here to support a confident, energised sector preparing our children and young people for the future.

We can you affirm to you all as member schools that we are here to support you and continue to represent the best interests of controlled schools.