Ruane Releases Sustainable Schools Policy

The Minister said: "It is essential that we have a robust policy to ensure that we have an estate of educationally sustainable schools, planned on an area basis to meet the needs of local communities.

"The Policy for Sustainable Schools is about ensuring that our children are provided with a high quality education regardless of background or where they live. It is not an agenda to close small schools. It is also important that teachers have opportunities for professional development and mutual support and don't face undue pressures.

"This policy is about ensuring our schools estate is robust and capable of delivering educational excellence to meet the needs and aspirations of all pupils while ensuring school leaders receive the appropriate level of support to help them deliver this excellence."