Sinn Féin MLA Pat Sheehan has said the education minister must now go back to the drawing board with his plan to tackle educational underachievement.

The party’s education spokesperson was speaking after Sinn Féin’s motion passed in the Assembly calling for a re-think of the Minister’s ‘RAISE’ programme.

Pat Sheehan said:

“Today in the Assembly we highlighted our concerns with the education minister’s ‘RAISE’ programme, which will not tackle educational underachievement as it excludes many children attending schools in working-class areas.

“Every child, no matter where they live, deserves the best start to life and the same opportunities to thrive in school.

“Today’s motion exposed the education minister’s failure to consider the indicators of need and deprivation that should guide funding for tackling underachievement. 

“I welcome the passing of Sinn Féin’s motion. The education minister must now go back to the drawing board and ensure any amended plan is fair and supports those most in need.”