Planning and Development Branch

The Planning and Development Branch is concerned with monitoring and reviewing the facilities available in schools and colleges and where appropriate bringing forward schemes which will result in a more effective and efficient service.

Detailed Information

The particular focus of the branch is to identify and quantify shortages in provision and to take steps for the facilities to be put in place to adequately meet demand. These steps may invole

(i) bringing forward rationalisation schemes which involve the closure of one or more schools, the replacement of a number of schools with a central school or the establishment of consortium management arrangements involving a number of schools or

(ii) the establishment of new provision particularly in such areas as special education, pre-compulsory school age education and post 16 education.

An over-riding focus is to ensure that the funds secured for development are utilised for maximum benefit to the service.