To ask the Minister of Education to outline what invest to save opportunities exist within his Department.

The following invest to save opportunities currently exist within the Department.

Voluntary Exit Schemes (VES)

During 2019-20, the Department received funding for Voluntary Exit Schemes for Teaching and Non-Teaching staff within the education sector. The primary aim of these schemes is to assist schools and arm’s length bodies to reduce their cost base through a reduction in full-time equivalent staffing numbers.

Education Transformation Programme

The Education Transformation Programme is considering how the education system could be reformed to ensure it is sustainable, effective and efficient - with positive outcomes for children and young people. While elements of the Programme may result in recommendations relating to invest to save measures, it is too early to say at this stage.

As agreed in the New Decade, New Approach agreement, it is proposed that there will be an Independent Review of Education Provision. I will give due consideration to the design and delivery of this, including such issues as how the Review will interact with existing Departmental work and the Transformation Programme.

Capital

There are several areas within the schools’ estate where capital investment can lead to savings, such as:

• the provision of water and energy monitors;

• the upgrading to LED lighting;

• the replacement of windows to reduce heat loss;

• the replacement of aging heating systems; and

• the installation of solar panels.

Area Planning

While the Sustainable Schools Policy is an educational and not a financial policy, it requires investment in Area Planning to further the aim of developing a network of educationally and financially viable schools across Northern Ireland in order that all children have access to a broad and balanced curriculum. To effect real change, both resource and capital funding would be required. Having the right number of schools, of the right size, in the right location, will allow the maximisation of educational resources.

It is also important to recognise that all of the work of the Department is aimed at providing children and young people with the best start in life. There are therefore many work streams, projects, initiatives and interventions that, while not specifically identified as invest to save opportunities, are targeted at achieving better outcomes for society in the future.