| Mrs
McBride announced: "This year’s conference will
host experts in the fields of education and social policy
from the USA, England and Northern Ireland. We look forward
to the sharing of experience to ensure that the best possible
services are provided in a coordinated way for our children.
"The ANIELB wants to ensure that no talent is wasted
and that our pupils are trained to think creatively and innovatively
so that they can play a full part in the complex world of
today. Every child does indeed matter!"
This year's conference is being hosted by the Southern Education
and Library Board.
Commenting on the background to the conference, Mrs Helen
McClenaghan, Chief Executive of the SELB, said:
“‘Every Child Matters’ is the title of the
Green Paper published by the Government last September. The
impetus for the Green Paper came from the inquiry into the
tragic death of child abuse victim Victoria Climbie. In his
report, Lord Laming, found that lack of communication between
social workers, police and NHS staff was a major contributing
factor to Victoria's death.
“Following Lord Laming's Inquiry, Margaret Hodge was
appointed Minister for Children, Young People and Families
and she proposed amalgamating education and children's social
services under the aegis of a powerful director of children's
services. Agencies and schools would work together to protect
children at risk. Laws which hampered the sharing of information
between education and other services would be scrapped and
all children would be given an identity number. Children receiving
support from more than one service would be assigned a “lead
professional” to take responsibility for them. It was
not made clear whether or not this could be a teacher.“In
light of these developments across the water it is timely
that we discuss the way forward for Northern Ireland. This
year's ANIELB conference will provide an excellent opportunity
for representatives from our five Education and Library Boards
together with Head teachers from schools across the Province
to join with colleagues from the other agencies which have
responsibility for the care and well-being of our children."
Speaking on behalf of the conference sponsors, Darren Lemon,
Director of Sx3, congratulated the ANIELB “ for having
the courage to tackle this vitally important issue and for
securing such an impressive line-up of notable speakers. Everyone
who has the best interests of children and young people at
heart will want to attend this important conference.”
Mr Lemon concluded by wishing the organisers every success.
Other major sponsors include: BT, PriceWaterhouseCoopers,
the Northern Bank and E-Teach.
The conference launch was held in the headquarters of the
Belfast Education and Library Board and pupils from Ceara
School, Lurgan, performed for the guests. Pupils from the
school are pictured with Darren Lemon of Sx3.
Further details on the ANIELB conference can be obtained by
contacting: Geraldine McMahon at the Belfast Education &
Library Board, Telephone: 028 9056 4158.
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