To ask the Minister of Education to detail how his Department ensures equal access to training and professional development opportunities for teachers working in rural schools.

I am committed to ensuring that all teachers in Northern Ireland, including those in rural schools, have equitable access to professional learning opportunities. This commitment is outlined in Leading Together for Excellence: A TransformED NI Strategy for Teacher Professional Learning, currently out for public consultation.

All professional learning opportunities are offered to teachers, irrespective of their location. In addition, through the ongoing implementation of TransformED, access to high-quality online professional learning provision has increased significantly. This includes the science of learning programmes, for both primary and post-primary teachers. Online opportunities are being further strengthened through plans for a unified digital professional learning platform to enhance access, equity and collaboration across the system.

My Department also continues to support collaboration through online and regional professional learning communities, helping to reduce isolation and ensure that teachers in rural schools can share effective practice.