Development Proposals

The main purpose of a Development Proposal procedure is to ensure that all interested parties are informed about proposed changes to schools and have an opportunity to comment on any proposed development that may affect them before decisions are taken.  All objections and comments received are considered in reaching a final decision on a development proposal.

A Development Proposal is required under Article 14 of the Education and Libraries (NI) Order 1986 before any significant change can be made to a school.

Consultation includes:
 
  • Informing all interested parties about the proposed change to a school; explaining the reason for it and any implications arising from it;

  • Receiving views expressed by concerned parties and;

  • Considering the validity of points made.

The North Eastern Education and Library Board (NEELB) publish all Development Proposals.  The NEELB does not have the discretion to refuse to publish a Development Proposal and must keep a record of all views expressed in the consultation process.  The NEELB must then pass those views onto the Department along with its own views on the proposal.

Development Proposals Summary

The North Eastern Education and Library Board or anyone representing a school can submit a Development Proposal.

A Development Proposal is required where there is an intention to:
 
  • Discontinue a school;

  • Establish a new grant aided school, including one that replaces an existing school or schools;

  • Add to or remove from a school a stage of education, thus changing the age group for which the school caters;

  • Attach a special education unit to a school other than a Special school, or to change arrangements for such units, eg to close such a unit or to move it to a different school;

  • Make or change any arrangements under which admission to a school is selective by reference to perceived ability or aptitude, or limited to one sex only;

  • Attach an Irish-Medium unit to a school;

  • Make any change that would have a significant effect on another grant-aided school.  This would include substantial increase in enrolments as well as the relocation of an existing school to the catchment area of other schools.

Article 24(5) of the Education and Libraries (NI) Order 2003 introduces a requirement for consultation with Board of Governors, parents and teachers of existing schools, prior to the publication of a Development Proposal.  For maintained schools this function will be carried out by the CCMS, for controlled schools by the North Eastern Education and Library Board and for schools in other sectors, by the proposer of the Development Proposal.  The Department will seek documentary evidence that the statutory consultation has taken place.
 
The North Eastern Education and Library Board will:
 
  • consult with any schools or organisations which may be affected by the Development Proposal;

  • notify the Department of Education of all new Development Proposals;

  • publish the Development Proposal.

After publication the Department will:
 
  • allow two months for the public to object or comment;

  • assemble all the relevant facts;

  • consider any objections/comments and all the relevant facts;

  • if appropriate, modify the Development Proposal after consultation with the proposer;

  • decide whether or not the Development Proposal should be approved - this decision is taken by the Minister.

The Minister's decision on a Development Proposal is final and can only be challenged through the judicial review process.

Further details on Development Proposals can be obtained from the Department of Education’s Booklet – Development Proposals for Grant-Aided Schools.

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