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FUNCTIONS
OF THE BOARD
The functions of the Board in relation to the provision of education
and library facilities are laid down primarily in the Education
and Libraries (NI) Order 1986, the Education Reform (NI) Order
1989, the Education and Libraries (NI) Order 1993, the Education
(NI) Order 1996 and the Education (NI) Order 1997. Certain responsibilities
in the field of employment, childcare and health and safety, are
also placed on the Board by other legislation enacted for Northern
Ireland.
The
system of public education is organised in three phases:
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• Primary
Education - pupils aged 5-11 in Key Stages I and II
• Secondary
Education - pupils aged 11-18 in Key Stages III and IV
and post 16 studies
• Further
and Higher Education - education other than secondary
education for persons over compulsory school age. This
sector operates independently of the Board.
Within
this public education system, it is the duty of the Board:
• to
contribute to the spiritual, moral, intellectual, physical
and social development of the community
• to
ensure there are sufficient schools for providing primary
and secondary education
• to
provide special education for those identified as having
special education needs.
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In
fulfilling these functions the Board is required to draw up schemes
which allocate finance and delegate responsibility to boards of
governors of schools. In addition, the Board must maintain a curriculum
and advisory support service to provide support for teachers in
schools.
The
Board is also required:
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• to
have regard for the need to provide Nursery education
• to
secure the provision for its area of adequate facilities
for recreational, social, physical, cultural and youth
service activities and for services ancillary to education
• to
provide a comprehensive and efficient Library Service
for persons living, working or undertaking courses of
education it its area
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