Carnlough and Glenarm Community Conversation...Carnlough and Glenarm Community Conversation: Gathering views on local primary school provision Dr Jessica Bates and Dr Una O’Connor-Bones

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Carnlough and Glenarm Community Conversation: Gathering views on local primary school provisionDr Jessica Bates and Dr Una O’Connor-Boneswith Mr Matthew Milliken and Dr Christine McKeever

January 2018

This research was commissioned by the Integrated Education Fund

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Table of ContentsExecutive summary 3

Introduction 5 Background 5 Overview of Carnlough and Glenarm 6 Primary schools in Carnlough and Glenarm 7

Project methodology 15

Findings 17Meetings with school principals and representatives of the Boards of Governors and/or Trustees 17Meetings with other community stakeholders 20Facilitated conversations with parents: Glenarm 21Facilitated conversations with parents: Carnlough 23Open community meeting 25Online response form 32

Conclusions 40

Appendix: Executive Summary Report 41East Antrim (Glenarm, Carnalbanagh, and Carnlough) Micro Poll – Audited Results, LucidTalk

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Executive summary

• At the end of April 2017, on behalf of all educational bodies, the Education Authority (EA) published the first regional Area Plan for Northern Ireland – Providing Pathways: Strategic Area Plan for School Provision 2017-2020. The focus of the Area Plan is the need to ensure that all pupils have access to a broad and balanced curriculum that meets their needs within a diverse system of education through a network of sustainable schools.

• An Annual Action Plan was subsequently published that outlines the key activities that the managing authorities (EA and Council for Catholic Maintained Schools) will undertake in order to achieve these outcomes; within which Carnlough and Glenarm are identified as an area where the EA and CCMS propose to consult on the future of primary provision.

• A community conversation on local primary school provision in Carnlough and Glenarm was carried out during October 2017 by researchers based at the School of Education, Ulster University. It was commissioned by the Integrated Education Fund. This consultation does not form part of the statutory consultation process that managing authorities must undertake when considering changes in provision, but the findings will be passed on to the EA and CCMS in the anticipation that it may be used to inform how they wish to move forward, in accordance with the Department of Education’s (DE) Sustainable Schools Policy (SSP).

• A community conversation is an innovative methodology designed to facilitate communities in shared dialogue on sensitive local issues and to identify the best ways to move forward. Under consideration was the sustainability of four local primary schools: St John’s Primary School, Carnlough; Carnlough Controlled Integrated Primary School (CCIPS); Seaview Primary School, Glenarm; and Carnalbanagh Primary School, Glenarm.

• In an educational landscape of declining school populations and reduced financial support, the Sustainable Schools Policy sets out six criteria and associated indicators as a framework for considering issues of school sustainability. These include: the strength of links to the local community, educational experience, enrolments, financial position, school leadership and management, and accessibility1. In each of the four primary schools the actual pupil enrolment is less than the approved enrolment: Seaview PS is operating at 33.1% capacity, Carnalbanagh at 44.8%, CCIPS at 51.6%, and St John’s PS at 70.3% capacity.

• The community conversation model is suited to enabling and encouraging dialogue and discussion in relation to challenging and difficult topics. The potential loss of a primary school is clearly an emotive issue for the community affected. Facilitated by non-partisan organisations, participants can find common ground and a positive way forward. In this case, the conversation centred on the question: ‘what is the best way forward for sustainable primary school provision in the area?’ Over a three-week period, a series of conversations were held with: school principals and Governors/Trustees; parents of pupils from the four primary schools; and community representatives. An open public meeting was also held.

• In total, 17 participants (principals, Governors/Trustees, and other community representatives) took part in face-to-face meetings and 40 parents participated in facilitated group meetings as part of the community

1 https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/de/a-policy-for-sustainable-schools.pdf

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conversation. In addition, approximately 84 participants took part in the public event and some 90 individuals engaged with the online response form.

• The statutory planning process was viewed by parents, principals and Governors/Trustees as an unsettling experience and they considered that discussions to date had been unsatisfactory. They also expressed concern that any consultation process could have a negative impact with parents pre-emptively moving children from a school if they believed it was under threat of closure.

• School presence was considered fundamental to preserving the life of this rural community and any closures would have a negative knock-on impact on the local population. The erosion of key services (post office, bank and doctor’s surgery) from Glenarm in recent years and wider socio-economic deprivation indicators, means that the schools have assumed a vital presence as community hubs. There was widespread satisfaction from school communities about the quality of education and pupil care provided by each school.

• The rural isolation of the area has been exacerbated by lack of regular transport, impacting on parental choice of, and pupils’ access to, schools in the immediate and wider area. Transport was closely aligned to parental choice of school and there was concern amongst some that this may become more difficult if the statutory process reduces or re-defines schools in the area. However, it was also noted that the pattern of transporting children to schools outside of the immediate community had impacted on pupil numbers and the pupil demographic of the area.

• It was recognised that community-based pre-school education best represented the principle of parental choice since this neutral status removed sectoral identities and any assumptions as to which primary school children would attend.

• The quality of education and holistic well-being of children were emphasised by principals, Governors/Trustees and parents as key priorities moving forward. In particular, the educational and social benefits of smaller class sizes, greater teacher-pupil interaction and strong community-home-school partnerships were identified as instrumental to pupils’ full educational experience.

• While a range of views were obtained through the community conversation, overall, participants’ strongest preference, in terms of sustainability of provision, was for the retention of two schools – one in each village. The most popular choice was for St John’s PS to remain in Carnlough and the amalgamation of Seaview PS and Carnlough Controlled Integrated PS as one integrated school in Glenarm. While there was general agreement that any re-location of integrated education should be to a new site to remove historic sectoral associations, the Carnlough CIPS school community would favour the retention of integrated provision through their school. A small number of respondents emphasised that the option of controlled education with a Protestant ethos should remain in the area.

• Parents, principals, Governors/Trustees and other community stakeholders agreed that a pro-active information strategy was necessary to clarify and promote integrated education within the statutory process. There was overall consensus that the involvement of the Integrated Education Fund (IEF) and Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education (NICIE) was essential to address any misunderstandings within the community on the remit and purpose of integrated education.

• The community conversation in Glenarm and Carnlough has been an important opportunity for parents, principals, Governors/Trustees and other community stakeholders to voice their views about sustainable education provision in the future.

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Introduction

BackgroundThis community conversation on local primary school provision took place in the Carnlough and Glenarm area during October 2017 and was facilitated by the School of Education at Ulster University. It was commissioned by the Integrated Education Fund, with the purpose of developing a useful methodology for engaging with local communities about school provision in their area.

At the end of April 2017, on behalf of all educational bodies, the Education Authority (EA) published the first regional Area Plan for Northern Ireland – Providing Pathways: Strategic Area Plan for School Provision 2017-2020. The focus of the Area Plan is the need to ensure that all pupils have access to a broad and balanced curriculum that meets their needs within a diverse system of education through a network of sustainable schools.

An Annual Action Plan was subsequently published that outlines the key activities that the managing authorities (EA and Council for Catholic Maintained Schools) will undertake in order to achieve these outcomes; within which Carnlough and Glenarm are identified as an area where the EA and CCMS propose to consult on the future of primary provision.

Area Planning aims “to ensure all pupils have access to high quality education that meets their needs in schools that are educationally and financially viable”2. Expressed simply, this means that, in an era in which both school populations and the money available for the running of schools are in decline, the Government and managing statutory organisations have been obliged to review the number of schools and potentially close those which are considered unsustainable. Smaller, rural schools with traditionally lower enrolments are particularly vulnerable. As others, such as Gardner3, have pointed out, the duplicate or even triplicate or quadruplicate system of schools (controlled, maintained, integrated, Irish-medium) within a relatively small geographic area leads to a high number of available school places.

The six criteria of the Department of Education’s Sustainable Schools Policy4 are:• Quality educational experience• Stable enrolment trends• Sound financial position• Strong leadership and management by Boards of Governors and principals• Accessibility• Strong links with the community.

According to the Sustainable Schools Policy5:3.2 Small primary schools face a particular difficulty in delivering a high-quality education where staff members

have to contend with unduly demanding workloads and small (and perhaps diminishing) enrolments. Small primary schools can face challenges in meeting the educational requirements of children. The challenges can become increasingly greater when:

2 Department of Education website, Area planning overview, https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/articles/area-planning-overview3 Gardner, J. (2016) Education in Northern Ireland since the Good Friday Agreement: Kabuki theatre meets danse macabre, Oxford Review of Education, 42(3), 346-361.4 https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/schools-future-policy-sustainable-schools5 Department for Education, Schools for the Future: A Policy for Sustainable Schools, p19-22.

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i. there are composite classes with more than two age-groups within most classes. This is likely to occur when there are fewer than four teachers, one of whom will be a teaching principal; and

ii. where there are only two teachers, one of whom will have responsibility for four different age groups, and the other three different age groups. In addition, one of the two teachers will have a responsibility as a teaching principal.

3.3 Teachers in small schools also face problems of having less scope for professional interaction and mutual support. The school is unlikely to provide a wide programme of extra-curricular activities and will have a smaller range of teacher specialisms e.g. music. The smaller number of children in each year group limit the opportunities for working alongside peers, social interaction and challenge, and participation in extra-curricular activities including team-based experiences.

With regard to primary schools, the Department of Education has previously advised that the relevant school authority should review the position of a primary school when the enrolment falls below 60.

The purpose of this research project was to open conversations around the future provision of primary education in the Carnlough and Glenarm areas. Over a three-week period in October 2017 the team from Ulster University met with school principals and Governors/Trustees and facilitated conversations with parents and other stakeholders, including a range of community representatives. An open public meeting was held in the Londonderry Arms, Carnlough on 18th October. Views were also gathered by the Ulster University researchers through an online response form which was open for a six-week period. In parallel to this work, the market research and polling company LucidTalk6 conducted a micro-poll on the same topic, the findings of which are presented in a separate report which is included in the appendix.

Overview of Carnlough and GlenarmThe electoral wards of Carnlough and Glenarm lie in the Coast Road region of the Mid and East Antrim District Council and in the East Antrim Assembly Area. Both wards have been classified as ‘rural’ by the Northern Ireland (NI) Statistics and Research Agency (NINIS/NISRA)7 8. Both wards are within the area covered by the Northern Health and Social Care Trust and, at a regional level, the schools fall under the remit of the Education Authority, Antrim office.

CarnloughThe population of the Carnlough ward was estimated to have been 2,084 on 30th June 2016 (the most recent figure available) and to have increased by 3.1% over the previous 10 years (NINIS/NISRA)9. The census of 2011 recorded that 99.7% of the population of Carnlough were ethnically white (including Irish Traveller) and that 0.3% did not have English as their first language. The census also recorded 77.3% of the population as belonging to orhaving been brought up in the Catholic religion and 20.8% as belonging to or having been brought up in a Protestant or Other Christian (including Christian related) religion; 35.4% indicated that they had a British national identity, 33.4% had an Irish national identity and 37.2% had a Northern Irish national identity10.

6 http://lucidtalk.co.uk7 http://www.ninis2.nisra.gov.uk/public/AreaProfileReportViewer.aspx?FromAPAddressMulipleRecords=Carnlough@Exact match of location name: @Exact Match Of Location Name: Carnlough@16?8 http://www.ninis2.nisra.gov.uk/public/AreaProfileReportViewer.aspx?FromAPAddressMulipleRecords=Glenarm@Exact match of location name: @Exact Match Of Location Name: Glenarm@4?9 http://www.ninis2.nisra.gov.uk/public/AreaProfileReportViewer.aspx?FromAPAddressMulipleRecords=Carnlough@Exact match of location name: @Exact Match Of Location Name: Carnlough@4?10 The 2011 census allowed respondents to indicate more than one national identity.

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In 2016, an estimated 21.5%, or 414, of the Carnlough population were aged between 0 and 15 years, compared with the overall figure for Northern Ireland of 20.9%. According to the Northern Ireland Multiple Deprivation Measure (NISRA)11 Carnlough is ranked 200 out of 582 wards in NI (with 1 being the most deprived and 582 being the least deprived) in terms of overall deprivation, which means that it suffers greater deprivation than 65% of other wards in NI. For Education, Skills and Training it is ranked 195/582 and for Proximity to services it is ranked the 70th most deprived ward.

There are two primary schools in Carnlough: St John’s PS and Carnlough Controlled Integrated PS (CCIPS).

GlenarmGlenarm ward had an estimated population of 1,863 on 30th June 2016, an increase of 1.1% over the previous 10 years (NINIS/NISRA). The census of 2011 recorded that 99.9% of the population of Glenarm were ethnically white (including Irish Traveller) and that 0.3% did not have English as their first language. The census also recorded 41.3% as belonging to or having been brought up in the Catholic religion and 54.8% as belonging to or having been brought up in a Protestant and Other Christian (including Christian related) religion; 58.5% indicated that they had a British national identity, 17.6% had an Irish national identity and 29.9% had a Northern Irish national identity13.

In 2016, an estimated 18.7%, or 349, of the Glenarm ward population were aged between 0 and 15 (a drop from 21.7% in 2011); this is notably lower than the figures for neighbouring Carnlough (21.5%) and Northern Ireland as a whole ( 20.9%).

The Glenarm ward includes Carnalbanagh. The settlement of Glenarm, which is smaller than the ward, has an estimated population of 568 according to the 2011 census14.

According to the Northern Ireland Multiple Deprivation Measure (NISRA)15 Glenarm is ranked 308 out of 582 wards in NI (with 1 being the most deprived and 582 being the least deprived) in terms of overall deprivation. For Education, Skills and Training it is ranked 310/582 and for Proximity to services it is ranked the 29th most deprived ward.

There are two primary schools in Glenarm: Carnalbanagh PS and Seaview PS.

Primary schools in Carnlough and GlenarmThis project was focused around four primary schools: Carnlough Controlled Integrated Primary School, St John’s Primary School, Carnlough; Seaview Primary School, Glenarm; and Carnalbanagh Primary School, Glenarm. The two schools in Carnlough, one a controlled integrated and the other a Catholic maintained school, are both located within the village area and are 0.2 miles from each other. Seaview Primary School (a maintained school) is located in the Glenarm village area, which is within three miles of the two Carnlough schools. While Carnalbanagh Primary School (a controlled school) has a Glenarm address, it is located inland some 12 miles from Glenarm village and 13 miles from Carnlough.

11 https://www.nisra.gov.uk/publications/northern-ireland-multiple-deprivation-measure-2010-ward-level-results12http://www.ninis2.nisra.gov.uk/public/AreaProfileReportViewer.aspx?FromAPAddressMulipleRecords=Glenarm@Exact%20match%20of%20location%20name:%20@Exact%20Match%20Of%20Location%20Name:%20%20Glenarm@413 The 2011 census allowed respondents to indicate more than one national identity.14 http://www.ninis2.nisra.gov.uk/public/AreaProfileReportViewer.aspx?FromAPAddressMulipleRecords=Glenarm@Exact match of location name: @Exact Match Of Location Name: Glenarm@23?15 https://www.nisra.gov.uk/publications/northern-ireland-multiple-deprivation-measure-2010-ward-level-results

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Carnalbanagh Primary School, Glenarm is a Controlled primary with an approved enrolment of 58 pupils; the school recorded that it had a total of 26 pupils in the 2016-17 school year, with just under a third (30.8%) entitled to free school meals.

In terms of the religious background of pupils at the school, 57.5% were from a Protestant background, between 0 and 5 pupils were from a Catholic background and no figure was provided for those designated as Other Christian / non-Christian / no religion / unknown (DE stats, 2016/17).

Carnalbanagh has an approved admissions figure of 8 pupils per annum; 5 children joined the school in 2016-17. Carnalbanagh has two composite classes (P1-3 and P4-7) and employs three teachers (including a teaching Principal). In 2015-16 the school operated with a 12.03% surplus on its delegated budget.

The most recent Inspection of Carnalbanagh took place in November 2012. The Education Training Inspectorate (ETI)16 noted that Achievements and Standards were ‘good’, as was the Quality of provision. The quality of Leadership and management in the school was observed to have been ‘Very Good’.

16 https://www.etini.gov.uk/publications/short-inspection-carnalbanagh-primary-school-ballymena

Table 1: Primary school provision (DE Stats, 2016/17)

P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 Total Approved Enrolment No

Carnalbanagh PS 5 2 5 5 3 2 4 26 58 (32 spaces)

Carnlough CIPS 3 7 3 4 3 6 6 32 62 (30 spaces)

Seaview PS 5 5 8 8 5 5 4 40 121 (81 spaces)

St John’s PS 15 22 19 18 22 19 20 135 192 (57 spaces)

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Table 2: Carnalbanagh Primary School Annual Area Profile 2017 (EA)

Primary School Annual Area Profile 2017

DE Ref No. School Name Status Council Area

3010470 Carnalbanagh Controlled MID AND Primary School EAST ANTRIM

Annual Census Information Year Total pupils Y1-Y7 IMU FSME %

2013/14 36 0 27.8

2014/15 37 0 37.8

2015/16 39 0 35.9

2016/17 26 0 30.8%

Approved Reception - Year 7 enrolment number 58

Approved Reception - Year 7 admissions number 8

Year 1 Pupils 2016/17 5

First Preferences Applications 2016/17 4

Formal Intervention

In formal intervention any period 1 April 2016 - 31 March 2017

Budgets Year Available Delegated Surplus/Deficit Surplus/Deficit Resources £ £ %

2013/14 207,709 36,415 17.53%

2014/15 204,346 25,474 12.47%

2015/16 211,184 25,412 12.03%

(http://www.eani.org.uk/schools/annual-area-profiles/)

Carnlough Controlled Integrated Primary (CCIPS) traces its origins to the 1850s and, although it gained integrated status in 2001, it remains within the Controlled sector. The school has an approved enrolment of 62 based on an admission of 9 pupils to P1 each year. In the 2016-17 school year, Carnlough CIPS had a total enrolment of 32 boys and girls (31% of whom were in receipt of free school meals) and a further 3 pupils joined the school last year. In terms of the religious background of pupils, 31.3% were from a Protestant background, 34.4% from a Catholic background and 34.4% were designated as Other Christian / non-Christian / no religion / unknown (DE stats, 2016/17).

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Pupils are distributed across 3 composite classes (P1-2, P3-4 and P5-6-7) and are taught by a staff team of 3 teachers (including a teaching principal). Carnlough CIPS has been operating with a surplus on its delegated budget for each of the last 3 years; in 2015-16 this amounted to 14.6% of the funds available.

An ETI inspection in 201617 found Achievements and Standards to be ‘good’ – however, Overall Effectiveness, Provision for Learning and Leadership and Management were considered to require improvement. A follow-up inspection was recommended.

Table 3 : Carnlough CIPS Annual Area Profile 2017 (EA)18



3050519 Carnlough Controlled Controlled MID AND Integrated Primary School Integrated EAST ANTRIM


2013/14 42 0 31.0

2014/15 28 0 32.1

2015/16 36 0 33.3

2016/17 32 0 40.6%





Formal Intervention In formal intervention any period 1 April 2016 - 31 March 2017


2013/14 201,404 20,207 10.03%

2014/15 198,942 21,285 10.70%

2015/16 177,996 25,986 14.60%

17 https://www.etini.gov.uk/publications/primary-inspection-carnlough-controlled-integrated-primary-school-ballymena-county18 http://www.eani.org.uk/schools/annual-area-profiles/

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Seaview Primary School, Glenarm is a Catholic maintained primary school. The current school was opened in 1966 and the previous school building now houses the Glenarm Visitor Centre. Seaview has a capacity of 121 pupils and an approved intake of 17 pupils per annum into P1. In 2016-17, it had an actual enrolment of 40 pupils (boys and girls) and 5 pupils entered P1; 37.5% of this school population were entitled to free school meals.

In terms of the religious background of pupils at the school, 12.5% were from a Protestant background, 77.5% from a Catholic background and 10.0% were designated as Other Christian / non-Christian / no religion / unknown (DE stats, 2016/17).

Seaview employs 3 teachers (including a teaching Principal) and pupils are educated in three composite classes (P1-2, P3-4 and P5-6-7). In the 2015-16 school year, the school had a surplus on its operating budget of 3.04%.

Seaview was Inspected in November 201119. The ETI identified a need for improvement with regard to Standards, Learning and Teaching, and Leadership and Management. A follow-up inspection was considered necessary; this was carried out in January 2014 and concluded, “the quality of education provided by this school is very good. The school is meeting very effectively the educational and pastoral needs of the children; and has demonstrated its capacity for sustained self-improvement.”

19 https://www.etini.gov.uk/publications/follow-inspection-–-seaview-primary-school-glenarm

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St John’s Primary is a Catholic maintained school. The school has a designated capacity of 192 pupils. In 2016-17, it had an actual enrolment of 135 pupils (boys and girls), 31.9% of whom were in receipt of free school meals. In terms of the religious background of pupils at the school, statistics show that there were between 0 and 5 pupils from a Protestant background, and between 0 and 5 pupils designated as Other Christian / non-Christian / no religion / unknown (DE stats, 2016/17). No figure is provided for pupils from a Catholic background (the figure is suppressed under rules of disclosure)21. However, the 2015/16 DE stats show that 97.1% of the pupils were from a Catholic background.

20 http://www.eani.org.uk/schools/annual-area-profiles/21 https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/school-enrolments-school-level-data-201617

Table 4: Seaview Primary School Annual Area Profile 2017 (EA)20

Primary School Annual Area Profile 2017 DE Ref No. School Name Status Council Area

3030899 Seaview Catholic MID AND Primary School Maintained EAST ANTRIM


2013/14 38 0 26.3

2014/15 37 0 35.1

2015/16 33 0 33.3

2016/17 40 0 37.5%





Formal Intervention



2013/14 199,004 3,762 1.89%

2014/15 177,689 -6,254 -3.52%

2015/16 174,468 5,301 3.04%

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St John’s has an approved intake of 27 pupils per annum; 15 pupils joined P1 in 2016-17. There are seven individual primary classes (P1-7)22; every class has a designated teacher and there is a non-teaching Principal. St John’s has been operating with a surplus on its delegated budget for each of the last 3 years – in 2015-16 this amounted to 11.85% of the funds available. The Carnlough Community Nursery is housed in the grounds of the school.

The school’s most recent inspection, in 201223, found both Achievements and Standards, and Quality of provision to be ‘Very good’. The Inspectorate considered standards of Leadership and management and the Nursery Unit to be Good.

Table 5: St John’s Primary School Annual Area Profile 2017 (EA)24



3033317 St. John’s Catholic MID AND Primary School Maintained EAST ANTRIM


2013/14 151 0 27.2

2014/15 144 0 26.4

2015/16 144 0 26.4

2016/17 135 0 31.9%





Formal Intervention



2013/14 510,040 30,347 5.95%

2014/15 543,260 68,440 12.60%

2015/16 576,552 68,326 11,85%

22 Composite classes have subsequently been introduced. In 2017/18 there is a composite a P2/3 and P3/4.23 https://www.etini.gov.uk/sites/etini.gov.uk/files/publications/%5Bcurrent-domain%3Amachine-name%5D/focused-inspection-st-johns-primary-school-and-carnlough-community-nursery-ballymena.pdf24 http://www.eani.org.uk/schools/annual-area-profiles/

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Carnalbanagh Primary School, Carnlough Controlled Integrated Primary School and Seaview Primary School in Glenarm are involved in a local shared education partnership. The partnership brings together principals and teachers from all three schools to plan, share ideas and resources, and to provide children with joint educational activities – these have included sessions on Mathematics, I.C.T., Art, P.E., The World Around Us and Play Based Learning.

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Project methodology

The Ulster University fieldwork took the form of a ‘community conversation’, where the focus was predominantly on the school communities and, in particular, parents of children at the schools or parents with young children not yet at primary school. A community conversation model is one which is particularly suited to challenging and difficult topics, bringing together a wide range of people (and not just the ‘usual suspects’) under the facilitation of non-partisan organisations to find common ground and a positive way forward. Its emphasis is on meaningful engagement and participation, which in this case centred around the question of ‘what is the best way forward for sustainable primary school provision in the area?’

According to the American Library Association25, community conversations serve two important purposes:• They are a turned-outward way to authentically engage members of the community. • They generate public knowledge that can then be used to inform decision-making of all kinds.

Community conversations have a problem-solving agenda whereby people are encouraged to formulate local solutions to local issues26. The value of a community conversation is the creation of a social space for dialogue where people have opportunities to discuss and conceive strategies for change27.

Prior to meeting with parents, the researchers met with the principals and Governor/Trustee representatives from the four schools. This initial contact was important to ensure there was a clear understanding of the project and that schools were agreeable to promoting the meetings that were being organised with parents.

It also provided a valuable opportunity for this crucial stakeholder group to give their views on primary school provision in the area.

The researchers then held four facilitated group discussions with parents, two in Carnlough and two in Glenarm. Parents of pupils from any of the four schools or from the wider area were welcome to attend whichever group discussion was most convenient for them. These group discussions were advertised locally in key shops/ community organisations and in the local press (in both the Larne Times and Ballymena Times); each of the schools also sent home with pupils an information sheet from the research team. The four group discussions were all held during the day.

In addition to these facilitated group discussions, we held an evening public event in the Londonderry Arms, Carnlough, that was open to all. The event took the form of a café style conversation, where people were grouped around tables, with each table responding to set questions, writing down their collective responses and, at specific points, reporting back to the room as a whole.

In case anyone was unable to attend any of the face-to-face events, or had additional information they wished to communicate, there was an online response form that was open to individuals over the duration of the fieldwork period. The questions on the online form replicated those asked at the face-to-face events.

All parents were given equal opportunity to participate in the community conversation, and multiple opportunities to contribute views and feed into the process were provided.

25 connect.ala.org/node/24187926 Born P (2008) Community Conversations: Mobilizing the Ideas, Skills, and Passion of Community Organizations, Governments, Businesses, and People. Toronto: BPS Books.27 Minkler M. & Wallerstein N (2008) Community-Based Participatory Research for Health: From Process to Outcomes. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass

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The researchers also met with other community stakeholders, which included local political representatives and a community development officer. All of the findings gathered are presented by group/event in the following sections.

In parallel to the fieldwork being undertaken by Ulster University researchers, the market research company LucidTalk conducted a micro-poll across the Carnlough, Glenarm and wider hinterland area. A report of these findings is included in the appendix.

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Findings

Meetings with school principals and representatives of the Boards of Governors and/or Trustees

A series of meetings was held during October with the four principals, representatives of the Boards of Governors and/or Trustees and the head of the Glenarm community pre-school (a total of 12 individuals). The princicpal of St John’s Primary School is also the principal of the Carnlough Community Nursery. The outcome of these meetings can be summarised under: the existing position of the schools; school sustainability; school partnerships; and future options.

The position of the schoolsThe location of the four schools was considered fundamental to preserving the life of each community. Historically, there has been some animosity and inter-village rivalry between Carnlough and Glenarm and there was overall agreement that much good work has been carried out in recent years at a local level to reduce community tensions, with the schools occupying a central role in fostering community cohesion. For example, the Glenarm community has an increasingly mixed population, with a number of mixed marriages, and children live and play alongside each other. Carnalbanagh PS uses the church hall for school meals and PE with an option to use the Orange Hall if needed.

Principals were concerned that any rationalisation proposals could undo this progress and agreed the two villages were not yet ready for only one school. It was also highlighted that a single new school – or a super school - would not necessarily attract the same or greater numbers of pupils and that parents might choose to send their child to a school outside the immediate locality. There were mixed views on the location of CCIPS. Whilst the current site was considered unsuitable for expansion, it was seen to have an important presence in the predominantly nationalist location of Carnlough, although there was also recognition that re-location and/or merger with Seaview PS represented an opportunity to maintain a school presence in Glenarm.

The two pre-schools are considered an important provision in both Carnlough and Glenarm, although the pupil population in each has been affected in different ways. For example, it was stated that friendships forged in Glenarm pre-school often became fragmented as primary provision across five schools meant that contact between children could not be sustained. The position of Carnlough Community Nursery in the grounds of St John’s PS was generally not considered a neutral venue and there were concerns that its location could mis-represent parents’ awareness of primary school options in the village.

School sustainabilityThere was general agreement amongst principals and governors that, to date, sustainability planning by the EA has been an unsettling experience and that this, combined with the community consultation, could pre-emptively ignite parental concern, leading to an unnecessary and detrimental movement of pupils from the four primary schools.

Principals and governors stated that small rural schools were being unfairly targeted. In particular, limited information from the EA was viewed as unhelpful and the quick turnaround time expected for school proposals was unrealistic. As a result, principals and governors said they felt unsupported and ill-prepared to engage meaningfully with the statutory process and some believed that a decision on future school provision had already been taken. The closure of the state school in Glenarm in 2006, the threatened closure of Seaview PS in recent years and the

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current consultation all added to the prevailing uncertainty, and it was believed that the process had been poorly managed with little consideration of the immediate and longer-term consequences for pupils, teachers and parents.

There was general agreement that the deadline of March 2018 for statutory EA decision-making was too rushed and did not allow communities to fully discuss and explore potential for future provision. It was emphasised that the statutory review should take into consideration socio-economic deprivation within the area, including the wider impact of financial cuts and erosion of core services, particularly in Glenarm.

Principals and governors argued that the statutory review process was unevenly focused on pupil numbers, not least since they believed the schools met five of the six sustainability criteria. Potential school amalgamations were queried in terms of the capacity of existing schools to safely and effectively accommodate more pupils, alongside recognition that parents could opt to send their children elsewhere if this provision did not meet their preference. This was evidenced in current attendance patterns. With the closure of the state (controlled) school in Glenarm, parents received a £400 premium for travel to Cairncastle PS which has now been replaced by a school bus service. Currently, a significant number of children leave the villages each day to go to school in Cairncastle and Carnalbanagh, although it involves a journey of 40 minutes each way for some, and it was stressed there is no guarantee that these children would attend a newly constituted school.

School partnershipsThe schools have been involved in a range of cross-community initiatives over the years, including the Primary Integrating and Enriching Education (PIEE) project and initiatives funded through the Community Relations Equality and Diversity (CRED) policy, with a pattern of shared resources and teacher expertise. Three of the schools – CCIPS, Seaview PS and Carnalbanagh PS - are currently involved in the Shared Education Signature Project (SESP) and these principals agreed that the programme has been beneficial for pupils, teachers and principals, although planning and co-ordination has been difficult. Schools have received funding to bring all classes together up to six times per year; the project is in its final year and it was acknowledged that sustainability would be difficult if financial support ceased, particularly in relation to transport between schools. The focus of activity so far has mainly concentrated on literacy, numeracy and ICT and whilst an Inspectorate review of the partnership has been positive, more emphasis on Personal Development and Mutual Understanding (PDMU), Art and PE has been recommended. Principals and governors agreed that the partnership has been very successful but a small number did not agree that there would be positive community reaction to formally amalgamated provision.

Future optionsA range of options for future school provision was suggested. In some instances, these had already been considered given the uncertainty of recent years. There was consensus that any rationalisation would have to include a review of the condition of existing school buildings if they were to effectively accommodate pupils. It was recognised that some schools had sufficient ground for expansion whilst others had limited space or required substantial renovation. It was also stressed that the timing of any rationalised primary provision would have to be carefully considered since amalgamation and/or re-location could result in unnecessary disruption to pupils’ education if not managed properly.

In terms of rationalised school provision, a range of options were discussed, including integrated school, joint faith school and maintaining established sectoral identity. It was acknowledged that different management dynamics prevail across the sectors but it was equally recognised that open conversations with EA, CCMS and NICIE were essential.

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For some principals and governors from both villages, integrated provision was a preferred option and in a recent Seaview school survey, a question on the feasibility of integrated education received a majority response (85%) in favour. The potential location of an integrated school was a key consideration: it was acknowledged that the location of CCIPS in Carnlough was not suitable for expansion, yet it was considered an important presence in the village. Alternatively, it was suggested that an integrated school would be best placed in Glenarm and Seaview management were supportive of this; it was acknowledged that a new location would be required if CCMS did not support this option and, for some, a new neutral site was a more pragmatic decision. Suggestions included the sale of school estates to fund a new school potentially on the site of the old fish farm or the former Straidkilly walled gardens. Throughout these conversations, it was emphasised that the pace of change should be a gradual process to accommodate sensitive discussions and inform parent, teacher and community understanding of integrated education.

A joint faith school has also been explored by Seaview PS and discussions have taken place with another school going through the process and with NICIE. This suggestion has been supported by the Board of Governors and is seen as a valid option to preserve a school in the community. Although the school has space for expansion, it is acknowledged that any decision requires clarity on a number of issues, including the protracted nature of the transformation process, the feasibility of a positive outcome, the constitution of a new Board of Governors and the position of CCMS regarding school ownership. Within these conversations, concern was expressed for the future of Carnalbanagh PS and its isolated location was seen to increase its vulnerability. It was stated that pupils who currently travel to Carnalbanagh were unlikely to attend school in either village in the event of its closure, with parents choosing instead the sectoral option of Cairncastle PS or Hazelbank PS (although Hazelbank is operating at capacity).

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Meetings with other community stakeholders

Interviews were held with five other community representatives (local councillors and community development workers) who reiterated some of the points identified by principals and Board of Governors/Trustee representatives and identified some wider social issues. Their comments are broadly presented under the areas of school sustainability and future options.

School sustainabilityThere was general agreement that the four schools played a valuable role within rural communities. The close proximity of the schools for children and parents and the opportunity for greater one-to-one interaction were identified as key educational benefits. Whilst it was acknowledged that current school provision was not sustainable, these individuals emphasised the wider community benefits of having a school in a rural area and the implications for the community of closing a school. The status of the pre-school in Carnlough was queried and there was a perception that its current operation did not encourage a fully inclusive provision.

School sustainability was considered particularly important for Glenarm where the village demographics have been affected by a number of factors. For example, some houses have been bought as holiday homes making it difficult for local people to buy property and stay in the area; in addition, key services, including the post office and doctor’s surgery, have been lost in recent years. Although Seaview PS has a mixed pupil population, it is a Catholic maintained school and a sizeable number of pupils travel outside the village to controlled schools in Carnalbanagh or Cairncastle. Community representatives agreed that the possible closure of Seaview PS represented the biggest impact in the area, and it was suggested that more creative use of school premises could enhance their community value and generate valuable income.

Future optionsIn terms of future school provision, there were mixed opinions. For some community representatives, the amalgamation of schools represented an effective solution whilst others stated that faith-based education would remain a priority for some parents. It was stated that the parental option to send children to a faith-based school in preference to wholly integrated provision would take a couple of generations to change. For example, if CCIPS closed, it was stated that some parents would place their children in St John’s PS, some would place them in Carnalbanagh or Cairncastle Primary Schools and others would move them to another integrated school further afield. Although the journey time to Cairncastle PS was identified as unnecessarily lengthy it was agreed that it nonetheless represented parental choice for a preferred school sector. The issue of transport was identified as an enduring issue for rural schools and it was stated that, at present, there was no local bus service operating at school times between Carnlough and Glenarm. It was pointed out that since many families had one car which was generally used to commute to work – usually Ballymena, Larne or Belfast – viable school transport was a priority. It was suggested that overall school demographics in the area could support two schools – one in each village – maintaining existing provision in St John’s PS and establishing a new integrated school in Glenarm. However, it was emphasised that for an integrated school to succeed, greater awareness-raising on the ethos of integrated education was needed. It was also emphasised that any school should be on a new site, with a new school name and new uniform.

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Facilitated conversations with parents: Glenarm

Two facilitated conversations with parents were held in Glenarm on 9th October, attended by a total of 19 parents (17 female and two male). Parents’ comments are broadly presented as: current challenges; school sustainability; future options and key priorities.

Current challengesAll parents agreed that the schools were an essential presence within small rural communities. In addition to education provision, the central location of schools meant that the whole community was involved in children’s learning. Parents stressed that attendance at a local school was an important means for children to meet and mix with those they were growing up alongside. However, it was acknowledged that shifting demographics in terms of smaller families and an aging local population inevitably impacted on the future of school provision in the area.

It was stated that the quality education offered by small schools – particularly, strong home-school relationships and one-to-one support – should not be overlooked in the review process and that this support was often compromised by budget allocations based on school size which impacted on access to resources.

Location was identified as a key factor in relation to choice of school for many parents; for those who relied on after-school child care; who did not drive; or where the family car was used for work commutes outside the village, the proximity of schools was essential. For other parents, including those who sent their children to schools outside the two villages, the absence of regular school transport was a key challenge, with long journey times identified as particularly difficult for young children.

School sustainabilityThere was unanimous agreement that there should be a school in the village. Reiterating the loss of key services in recent years, it was stressed that losing the school would dissuade families from moving to the area. Parents emphasised that the prevailing uncertainty in terms of school provision could have unsettling and ultimately negative consequences for school numbers as parents may pre-emptively move their children from a school they thought was likely to close. They also highlighted that pupil transfer to St John’s PS should not be assumed if Seaview PS was to close, and there was consensus that this would not generally be the case. For example, some parents preferred to by-pass more convenient schools to get the education provision of their choice (whether this be based on quality, ethos or sector).

All parents acknowledged that no community wants to lose their school and that, as a result of any rationalisation. It was suggested that if Carnalbanagh PS was to close, it would not increase enrolments in Glenarm since the most likely outcome would be that parents would choose to send their children to school outside the area towards Cairncastle PS, Hazelbank PS or schools in Ballymena.

Future optionsParents’ suggestions for future provision centred on a community school for all children versus specific provision based on religious ethos, with the majority of parents expressing a preference for integrated provision. The SESP was seen as a valuable educational opportunity that enabled children to mix more regularly with each other and parents identified instances where pupils jointly celebrated religious occasions regardless of background (for example, some pupils singing in the choir whilst other pupils were receiving the sacraments). Overall, the premise of integrated education was regarded positively, with some parents calling for ‘a community school’ that ‘removed the element

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of religion from it altogether’. As a mixed community, with mixed pre-school provision, parents in Glenarm were largely in favour of an integrated solution and an amalgamation of CCIPS, Seaview PS and Carnalbanagh PS was suggested since all three schools already work together through the SESP. It was recognised that not all parents would be comfortable with integrated education, that they would see it as the removal of parental choice and would therefore choose to send their children to school outside of the village.

Nonetheless, for many of the parents, the mixed pupil population currently at Seaview PS represented an opportunity to move towards integrated status or a jointly-managed faith school and it was perceived that school staff and governors also recognised the sustainability potential of this option. Parents stated that the quality of education was more important than school ethos and they cited instances of pupil movement between school sectors based on the perceived quality of education. Whilst the grounds and school space at Seaview PS was regarded as an ideal site for an integrated school, it was also recognised that, to be acceptable to as many parents as possible, a completely new school was preferable. A new school was also seen as an easier transition for children who could have difficulties moving to and settling in to an existing school.

PrioritiesThere was unanimous consensus that a child-focused approach should inform and underpin the way forward. Parents did not want to lose the personal touch provided by a small school. Whilst they identified a new, larger school as a key priority moving forward, it was stressed that any closure of schools should be carefully planned as previous decisions on school sustainability had not served the school community well and a poorly-executed decision had the potential to divide the communities. Small class sizes and low pupil-teacher ratios were still seen as both desirable and beneficial and there was a call for more investment in classroom assistants if class sizes increased.

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Facilitated conversations with parents: Carnlough

Two facilitated conversations with parents were held in Carnlough on 11th October, attended by a total of 21 parents (20 female and one male). Parents’ comments are broadly presented as: current challenges; school sustainability; future options and key priorities.

Current challengesParents in Carnlough, similarly to those in Glenarm, identified a series of inter-related challenges affecting educational sustainability in the area. There was common concern that school closures would worsen rural isolation: the schools are viewed as community hubs, used by the wider village population and parents agreed this service would be lost if a school closed. Parents reiterated the concern that the perceived vulnerability of schools could be detrimental to existing provision even before any statutory decision has been taken, not least since the consultation process could negatively affect parents’ school choice for next year. Pupil numbers was a recurrent concern and parents stated that this has had implications for school budgets and resources, with some perceiving that rural schools had to fight harder to access financial investment and support. For example, St John’s parents acknowledged that major renovation would be required for the school to successfully accommodate a full capacity of pupils. It was also pointed out that the lack of a regular school bus service between Carnlough and Glenarm took away an element of parental choice and that if CCIPS closed, children would have to travel well outside the village to attend an integrated school - or be home schooled as one parent stated.

It was suggested that parental school preferences were mixed in Carnlough but the option for an integrated school was strongly articulated. Nursery/pre-school provision was a source of some controversy and there was a perception that integrated education was not promoted within what is meant to be a community pre-school education setting. An integrated nursery/pre-school was seen as desirable rather than current provision which was viewed as a de facto ‘feeder’ for St John’s PS where children in pre-school were brought into the P1 classroom ‘where they will go’.

School sustainabilityParents collectively agreed that the life of the community was inextricably linked with a school presence and that sustainability options going forward needed to be carefully reviewed. It was stressed that any amalgamation should not detrimentally affect class sizes or dilute school values and that if school numbers reduced, a fully inclusive integrated option should still be offered within the catchment area. In this instance, there was a strong preference for integrated rather than joint faith status although it was also recognised that there was some resistance to both integrated and shared education. Parents who supported integrated education, however, emphasised the need for greater awareness-raising to address many mis-perceptions, for example, around RE provision in school. One parent suggested that a wholly inclusive school should be a standard option and that there should be a fee attached to segregated/faith school provision. For the parents of CCIPS, there was an acknowledgement that amalgamation with Seaview PS was a logical progression but only if the school had integrated status. Generally, parents’ views were aligned to a wider social context and it was observed that young people saw Northern Ireland as ‘stuck in the past’ and many chose to leave to take up university or employment opportunities. Parents emphasised that the education system needed to change if this perception was to shift and young people were to feel more positive about making their futures here: ‘If only one school is left standing, it has to be integrated as that is the future’. Ultimately, however, there was a recognition that local population demographics will drive the outcome of any statutory review process.

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Future optionsThere was consensus amongst most parents present that a sustainable solution lay in a new, bigger, integrated, all-faith school: ‘real life is integrated it is crazy to segregate children at four or five’. For these parents, a shared campus was not an option as it simply provided ‘more of the same’. It was considered that a wholly inclusive all-faith school might meet more people’s needs (although there was also a perception that some Carnalbanagh and St John’s parents were unlikely to support an integrated school). However, it was reiterated that the strengths of a small school should not be overlooked in moving forward, particularly in relation to support for special educational needs (SEN), and that small class sizes should be maintained.

Parents considered that if there was only one school in the area it was likely to be located in Carnlough which had the bigger pupil population although this would impact negatively on the Glenarm community and would require a review of school transport. In addition, parents reflected that if St John’s PS and CCIPS were the only schools to remain open, it could not be assumed that St John’s would necessarily gain more pupils, but that parents could favour integrated provision outside the area. CCIPS has a history of providing integrated education and could continue to be the provider although expansion was difficult in its current location. It was acknowledged that if integrated provision was moved to Glenarm then Carnlough pupils could travel there. Regular school transport was reiterated as a key criterion and views were mixed as to whether parents would travel to get a school of their choice.

PrioritiesFor Carnlough parents, the priorities were for a local integrated school with religion removed completely from education or leaving provision as it currently is. It was viewed that greater understanding of integrated education was essential to offset misconceptions and to draw attention to the position of tolerance and respect within education. It was emphasised that none of the schools were currently fit for purpose and that any rationalisation would have to address the problem of accommodation, including retaining small class sizes and regular school transport: ‘at the end of the day, we’re not here to talk about the quality of our schools but what will be best for the children’. In this regard, tangible support from EA was identified, particularly in relation to maintaining open communication on potential changes.

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Open community meeting

An open consultation event was held at the Londonderry Arms Hotel in Carnlough on 18th October in the evening. The purpose of the event was to extend the consultation to the wider communities of Carnlough and Glenarm as well as to enable parents, teachers and governors to add to the conversation. Representatives from the Integrated Education Fund, the Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education, Education Authority, Council for Catholic Maintained Schools and the Controlled Schools’ Support Council attended to provide some context for the consultation and to address any questions the audience might have regarding the statutory process around educational sustainability in the area. Turn-out on the evening was higher than expected. A number or attendees arrived late and/or left early but the number present at any stage of the evening never dropped below 78 and at one stage exceeded 84. Overall, eight table discussions took place.

The conversation was guided by the following questions:

• What are the current challenges facing primary education provision in this area?

• If you have a child or children currently in primary school, what was your main motivation in choosing a school for them?

• If the number of primary schools in the area is reduced, what would be the main priorities for you in relation to primary school provision?

• Do you have a particular model or suggestion in mind for rationalising primary school provision in the area?

Table discussions - key points• What are the current challenges facing primary education provision in this area?All tables identified financial pressure as a key challenge for education provision in the area, including changes in the funding formula for schools and reduced funding from the NI Executive, both of which were seen to negatively affect the upkeep of schools and the range of resources provided, including extra-curricular options and support for pupils with special educational needs. The importance of a school at the heart of a rural community was a recurrent observation, not least in terms of accessibility for children and parents. It was considered that the schools sustained the life of the community and that closure would have a negative knock-on impact on the population - this was considered particularly important with the loss in recent years of the Post Office, bank and GP surgery in Glenarm. It was also suggested that one larger school would not necessarily guarantee a better educational experience nor maintain the level of community involvement that currently existed. At the same time, it was acknowledged that the demographics of the area had shifted in recent years and that this change in population impacted on enrolment numbers with implications for sustainability. Whilst some participants called for a changed mind-set from traditional school provision towards a more sustainable model, others argued it would limit parental options, citing that some children already travelled to schools outside the immediate area. The potential disruption involved in any rationalisation was a common concern, in particular its impact on current school enrolments, and there were concerns that any pupil movement to other schools in the interim would negatively affect the outcome of the statutory process.

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• If you have a child or children currently in primary school, what was your main motivation in choosing a school for them?

There was overall agreement that the quality of education provision was a key consideration for parents when choosing a primary school; there was also general agreement that education provision in the area was good although some participants called for broader provision that accommodated children with special educational needs. It was stated that a small school provided a better pupil-teacher ratio and a personalised educational experience that could be lacking in a larger school. Each of the four schools is well-established; many considered that their accessibility was a key factor and reinforced the importance of a school presence within rural communities, particularly where families often relied on other family members/grandparents to assist with childcare. The endurance of strong links between the schools and the local community was emphasised, in particular the use of school buildings for community activities, the involvement of the schools in public events and the sharing of premises with local chapels and churches. The leadership and management demonstrated by Boards of Governors/Trustees was identified as excellent by some participants although there was also an observation that a ‘them and us’ style was out of keeping in 2017.

Some responses to this question illustrated participants’ thinking on future education provision in the area and revealed a number of viewpoints on the profile of any rationalised school provision. On the one hand, this included the potential loss of parental choice and the perceived EA focus on the pupil numbers, particularly when other sustainability criteria were met. On the other hand, the possibility of integrated education and the sustainability of schools through the Shared Education Signature Programme were identified. Some participants stated that shared education could strengthen the existing position of schools, enabling access to additional funding, a broader curriculum experience and professional development for teachers. Others stated that integrated education was the most viable option for sustainability.

• If the number of primary schools in the area is reduced, what would be the main priorities for you in relation to primary school provision?

Quality of education that placed the welfare of children first was a recurrent observation from participants in response to this question; this included improved school transport, retention of smaller class sizes and provision of appropriate resources and support for pupils with SEN. The majority of participants acknowledged the challenge of retaining three schools in Glenarm and Carnlough along with a school in Carnalbanagh, and there were contrasting suggestions for future provision, ranging from no change to full secular provision. There was common consensus that a school should be located in each village and some consensus that Carnalbanagh PS should remain. This was reflected in participants’ responses. Some expressed a preference for individual faith-based schools that was aligned to the preservation of a Christian ethos and parental choice. Others stated that the expansion and/or new build of an integrated school or a joint faith school best represented the mixed community background of the two villages. In a few instances, the teaching of religion was queried as a divisive rather than unifying dimension of education provision. Participants emphasised that the EA should establish a clear transition period to accommodate any rationalised provision. This included change to existing schools as well as any new building works. The geography of existing school premises was identified as a potential obstacle to any re-structure and those who proposed an integrated school stated that this should be a new build with a new name to remove any sectoral associations.

The location of the school as a focal point of the rural community was re-stated, particularly in terms of what its presence represented within the villages, both during school hours and as a venue for community activities after school hours.

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• Do you have a particular model or suggestion in mind for rationalising primary school provision in the area?

Suggestions for rationalising primary school provision were varied and again reinforced the importance of keeping a school in each village. Although there was consensus that any new provision should unite rather than divide the community, proposed models ranged from retaining existing structures to fully integrated or joint faith provision. Some participants stated that parental choice for either a controlled or maintained school should continue to be offered, with a few stating they would seek education provision elsewhere if integrated education became the only option in the area. Other participants wanted to avoid any perception of single identity provision in the villages and considered that an integrated school, used by the whole community had greater potential to unite. At the same time, it was recognised that the pattern of transporting children outside of the community had impacted on pupil numbers and the pupil demographic of the area. St John’s has the largest pupil population and there was concern that any closures would mean no controlled primary schools between Larne and Ballycastle. In this regard, there was a suggestion for a 3-school model: to maintain St John’s and Carnalbanagh and merge Seaview and CCIPS into a bigger integrated school, or to merge the two maintained schools and retain Carnalbanagh and CCIPS. Aligned with the preference for retaining existing provision or adopting a 3-school model was a call to further develop the shared education programme within the three participating schools and maximise sharing of existing facilities. In contrast, integrated or joint faith provision was viewed as a means to harness resources, facilities and expertise in one common location.

At the conclusion of the discussions each table was invited to propose one key consideration with regard to the way forward for primary educational provision in the area and, in the light of the inevitability of change, to identify their preferred educational model. The tables varied in size between 4 and 14 participants – only two ‘tables’ had fewer than 6 members; most tables included at least 10 individuals. Seating was unallocated and consequently participants may have elected to sit with those already known to them in many instances. None of the views stated at this stage of the evening were obviously challenged by other group members.

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Table 6: Key points agreed by each of the tables at the open meeting

TABLE KEY POINTS

1. • Important that faith based education continues • Any new school needs to be accessible to all communities

2. • The quality of education is paramount – young people need to be ‘life ready’ • A single new ‘super school’ would be preferred

3. • There should be no reduction in the current high standard • No segregation – one big integrated school is needed

4. • Quality needs to be maintained and there needs to be provision for those with additional educational needs • A single joint- faith school (Desertmartin cited as example)

5. • Priority is to look after ALL children locally – including those with special needs • An integrated school is preferred for all needs, faiths and ethnicities.

6. • Parental choice is important: both Maintained and Controlled schools should be available • Shared Education programmes between these schools should be developed and deepened

7. • Rural location limits choice – need to avoid isolation • Diversity needs to be respected – the area must not be allowed to become ‘single identity’

8. • It is important to maintain separate faiths and community identity • Shared education should be developed between existing schools but recognised that a new school may be needed – this should be centrally located.

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Open meeting quantitative data

The open meeting also provided the opportunity to collect quantitative data in terms of participants’ responses to a series of closed questions. For the majority of individuals, responses were collected via hand-held voting devices; in a small number of cases responses were provided to the research team in hard copy. All the results are collated and presented below. This data helps to contextualise the conversation data.

Table 7: Where participants live (n=74)

Carnlough 29.7%

Glenarm 27.0%

Carnalbanagh 24.3%

Other 18.9%

Table 8: In what capacity participants were attending the meeting (n=74)

Parent of a primary or pre-school child 52.7%

Parent of a child and also a governor 12.2%

Parent of a child and also a principal or teacher 8.1%

School governor 8.1%

Principal or teacher 4.1%

Other family member of a primary or pre-school child 4.1%

Staff member in pre-school/nursery 1.4%

Other (e.g. community representative) 9.5%

Table 9: How many children of primary age participants had (n=74)

None 27.0%

1 33.8%

2 36.5%

3 1.4%

4+ 1.4%

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Table 10: What primary school children attended (n=54)

Carnalbanagh PS, Glenarm 42.6%

Carnlough Controlled Integrated PS 33.3%

Seaview PS, Glenarm 20.4%

St John’s PS, Carnlough 1.9%

Other 1.9%

Table 11: Religious identity participants most closely identified with (n=72)

Protestant 45.8%

Catholic 36.1%

None 11.1%

Other 5.6%

Prefer not to say 1.4%

Table 12: School preference: I would prefer my child/children to attend… (n=56)

An integrated primary school 51.8%

A controlled primary school (predominantly Protestant) 35.7%

A maintained primary school (predominantly Catholic) 5.4%

Other 7.1%

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Figure 1: I would like my children to attend the nearest school to where I live – regardless of school type – as long as it is a good school

Responses

Agree Disagree Not sure

Figure 2: I would like my children to be educated at a school of my choice and accept that this might involve travelling outside the area

Responses

6.8%

20.3%

72.9%

11.5%

16.4%

72.1%

Agree Disagree Not sure

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Online response form

The purpose of the online response form was to enable parents and other community members who were unable to participate in our face-to-face meetings and events to contribute their views. It was also a way for individuals who had participated in an event to share any other thoughts they had on the topic of primary education provision in the area. The online response form was open for six weeks from 20 Sept to 1 Nov.

Table 13: Where respondents live (n=90)

Carnlough 28.9%

Glenarm 52.2%

Carnalbanagh 7.8%

Other 11.1%

Table 14: How many children of primary age respondents had (n=88)

None 37.5%

1 29.6%

2 21.6%

3 8.0%

4+ 3.4%

Table 15: What primary school children attend (n=57)

Carnalbanagh PS, Glenarm 21.1%

Carnlough Controlled Integrated PS 24.6%

Seaview PS, Glenarm 36.8%

St John’s PS, Carnlough 10.5%

Other 8.8%

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Table 16: Religious identity participants most closely identified with (n=90)

Protestant 28.9%

Catholic 48.9%

None 15.6%

Other 6.7%

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What are your views on the sustainability of primary education provision in the Carnlough and Glenarm area going forward? (n=84)In terms of how respondents view the sustainability of primary education provision in the Carnlough and Glenarm areas going forward, there were 84 open-ended responses.

Themes that emerged in relation to sustainability included the need for local communities to retain a school in their community; the need for more funding and resources; a desire to maintain small class sizes or teacher/pupil ratio as beneficial in terms of pupil education and personal development; and regeneration work that was ongoing in Glenarm. A small number of respondents commented that no change was necessary and that school provision should stay as it is. Others made specific reference to the current provision not being sustainable. The issue of school estates and buildings came up and when it did there was consensus that current provision was not adequate. There was also a recognition in terms of sustainability that school provision within an area was linked to the sustainability of that area in a wider sense.

The overwhelming response in relation to the question of sustainability was for integration of provision in some form. This was specifically mentioned by 39 respondents in terms of creating sustainable education provision in the longer-term. Of these respondents, 25 specifically supported an integrated or joint-faith/multi-faith school in Glenarm and 7 advocated for the continuation of integrated provision in Carnlough. Five respondents believed that the issue of sustainability could be resolved with the amalgamation of the schools, with one school in the area. Predominantly however, the view was that there should be a school in each village, for example St John’s to remain as it is in Carnlough and a new integrated school to be provided in Glenarm (which would involve a de facto amalgamation of CCIPS and Seaview PS). There was also a small number of respondents who emphasized the need for Carnalbanagh to remain open, or at least for the option of controlled education with a Protestant ethos to remain in the area. It was also pointed out that if Carnalbanagh closed, the majority of those children would most likely seek places in Hazelbank or Cairncastle rather than attend a school in Glenarm or Carnlough as the religious ethos of the school was important to these families. Five respondents commented on the benefits of shared education and how this could contribute to sustainability in the longer-term.

A selection of the responses to this open-ended question are presented below.My views are that in this economic climate that fewer schools that are well funded would be more beneficial than more schools that are poorly funded.

I think there needs to be rationalization across the 4 sites in terms of their estate and teaching resource. This may be at the cost of children having to travel some distance. Integration is the way forward. Most important factor is the provision of outstanding teaching and achievement for the children in the area. Our children’s success is the future of our villages.

I feel that for long term sustainability a more integrated approach would need to be taken. There are too many schools around the one area with little numbers. It would be more beneficial if these schools joined together. It would also be better for the community as a whole and Northern Ireland in general if children weren’t segregated at such a young age.

I think the only way forward is integrated education. Both villages are mixed with numerous religions, faiths and ethnic groups. We need a school that teaches our children about everyone and to accept that everyone is a unique person. In today’s society I do not believe that there is any need or room for 1 school for 1 religion and 1 school for the other. We should all be able to live, learn and grow together as a mixed community.

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I feel that whilst ideally each village would have its own primary school facilities, the numbers just don’t stack up. The spaces unallocated in each of the 4 schools show the need is not there to have so many schools. I feel in this day and age when budgets are so tight the need to segregate children based on their education is outdated.

The current numbers in Seaview, Carnalbanagh and Carnlough integrated primary schools would appear to be unsustainable. However, St. John’s primary school, Carnlough would appear to be sustainable as it is. It therefore would be my view to amalgamate the three initial primary schools in one sustainable school. I consider that school to be Seaview, given the sustainable building could accommodate larger numbers. I also believe the school could be a ‘mixed faith’ school which reflects the ethos of many local people. However, pupils ought to be provided with any religious preparation for sacraments, etc. which a parent would expect to be provided had their child/children attended a denominational school.

There are 2 CCMS schools, with only 1 integrated school within miles – the Carnlough integrated primary school is the closest integrated school to me at 12 miles distance, the same goes for Cushendall and Waterfoot, both of which have CCMS facilities and nothing else! A renewed focus on integrated education should be made. A peaceful future for Northern Ireland depends on our children learning and being together, this is the only way we can get away from the ‘them’ and ‘us’, supporting and improving integrated education facilities is the way to do this. I as a parent have done my part for our province by educating my children in the integrated sector, the Education Authority now needs to do its part by improving the provisions to make integrated education more desirable to fellow parents.

I am from a mixed marriage, I am Catholic and my wife is Protestant. We choose Seaview Primary School not only because academically it is a very good school but mainly because of its involvement within the community and the place that we call home. Glenarm village has a multi faith feel to it at present, we have a community pre school which is well subscribed by both Catholic and Protestant children, I feel that if a school of this ethos was created in the village it would be well attended. My view is to create a multi faith school in Glenarm Village and a Catholic school in Carnlough - this way both villages do not lose the heart of the community and parents still have the option of where to send their children. Better bus services must be provided to enable all children to get to school on time and safety. The Seaview grounds would be well equipped to hold a larger number of pupils, however the old Glenarm Primary School site (which is now derelict) would also make a great new school (this would ensure that the sigma of religion was taken out of the question I feel that if Seaview was to change to a multi faith school it will still get the stigma of a catholic school). It would also be beneficial if so many schools are under question that a new school was created and all the children were in the same boat having to move schools.

Glenarm should have an integrated or joint-faith managed primary school, not just one school that is identified with one denomination only. An integrated school is the best option, because it creates a neutral space for kids from all denominations to be educated together. But if this is not possible, then it could be a primary school managed by multiple faith-based communities.

An integrated school in Glenarm would be well supported, there are plans for new houses and that will bring more people to the area, and stop parents having to drive out of the village to school heir children.

I believe that there is a vested interest in each community retaining a school. I know the benefits to the community of having a school in the village especially with so much hard work going on to regenerate the village and attract new families to the area. I do think that having a more open school would be beneficial, i would have sent my child to Glenarm for schooling if it had been Integrated.

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CIPS has worked for 17 years to uphold the integrated ethos in the local area and is an integral part of Carnlough community. Children of all faiths and no faith attend the school and it is vital that this integration continues and preferably in Carnlough. Integration is established here and working. It would be a huge risk moving this provision out of Carnlough as there is no evidence it would be supported in another village and thus put in jeopardy the work done to build the integrated ethos in Carnlough.

I personally believe that all the schools should be integrated to make one big school. Children within our community need to integrate within education to try and stop bigotry and sectarianism.

There should be one primary school in each village that caters for all children of whatever religion.

For much too long facilities have been removed from our local community if the next blow was the removal of primary schools very few young families would settle in the area.

Regeneration of the area badly needed to encourage families to stay in or come to these rural coastal areas.

There needs to be primary education in the Glenarm/Carnalbanagh area for the Protestant community. We have already lost Glenarm Primary and now all the Protestant community children have to travel to Carbalbanagh, which the children love to do, but to disrupt them again would be confusing.

The Carnalbanagh children if the school is closed will unlikely come to the Glenarm/Carnlough area. They will send their children to Hazelbank/Cairncastle. If Glenarm pupils joined Carnlough Integrated this would make the numbers up and leave St John’s as it is and close Carnalbanagh.

If Carnalbanagh was to close it would be great to send my children to a school that has all faiths in it. They are already in shared education with the local school so they would know plenty of ones that are there already.

I think it needs to be a priority to keep a Catholic school in these areas as there are already plenty of choice for protestant or integrated schools.

I would prefer my children to be brought up in a Catholic School as I was but i understand that in the future this may be no longer sustainable and if the time came and the only option for the area was an all purpose / integrated school then i wouldnt mind sending my children.

I believe all of our primary schools are necessary - they provide safe and closer option for residents of Glenarm and Carnlough. I like how they work together (shared education) on improving for the future.

I believe the shared education which is currently used between Seaview, Carnalbanagh and Carnlough integrated primary schools works well. This allows the schools to pool many of their resources which reduces costs whilst also allowing the schools to maintain their own identities. I believe this will make the schools more cost effective and in turn will make the schools more sustainable. I believe if this continues the schools will become more appealing to other families in the area and the numbers will increase.

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If the number of primary schools in the area is reduced, what would be the main priorities for you in relation to primary school provision? (n=83)

The final question in the online response form was an open question that asked: If the number of primary schools in the area is reduced, what would be the main priorities for you in relation to primary school provision? There were 83 responses to this question.

The top three priorities by some considerable margin were: integrated provision; quality of provision - that children get the best possible education (well resourced, small class sizes); and location (that children are travelling the shortest distance possible to school and that appropriate transport was available where needed). Comments highlighted the desire for an integrated or multi-faith school in Glenarm and also emphasized the need to maintain a school in both Carnlough and Glenarm. A small number of respondents prioritized faith-based education. The issue of support for the transfer test also came up.

A selection of the responses to this open-ended question are presented below.1: That a specific Catholic primary school is retained for children in Glenarm/Carnlough parish. 2: That a non-denominational school is provided for those with no interest in a faith-based education. 3: That the views of those who live in the areas under discussion are fully listened to and a solution is not imposed by others whose own lives are not affected by those decisions.

The main aim of any school should be to prepare it’s pupils for the future. I believe this is best done in an inclusive environment. Currently, the best option would be one large integrated school. Personally, however, I think it would be beneficial to avoid labels such as ‘integrated’, ‘catholic’, ‘all faith’ etc. and just use the term ‘school’.

Quality of education must be at the top of the agenda. This includes, not only academic achievement but also the holistic well being of each child and the development of life skills. While larger schools are often considered preferable based on staff numbers and, the assumption of, more and better resources, I believe that smaller schools have different, but equally valid, strengths. The more personal environment afforded by a small school is better suited to the needs of many children, and allows them to flourish in a way that would perhaps be more difficult in a larger school. While, I realize that any proposal will most likely involve fewer, and therefore larger, schools, I think it is important that the benefits of small schools be given due consideration. By reducing the number of schools in any area you limit the choices open to families. Today’s society is becoming more diverse and no longer consists of only two traditions. Therefore, in order to reduce schools and accommodate everyone in the community, an integrated, or even secular, school would appear to be the only option. Anything else forces minorities such as Muslims, Humanists etc. to send their child(ren) to a school which is not equipped to accommodate them in.

Good quality of education. A single school with an integrated ethos. Children taught together with a single uniform.

That children don’t have to travel for anymore than approx 3 miles. Integrated education would be a bonus, maybe children would be more tolerable of each other. Finally good quality education, where kids aren’t falling behind and being forgotten.

Integrated education, when I say integrated I mean students of all religions and none studying together - understanding and appreciating our differences. Not the Shared education model where students are separated at the gate (metaphorically speaking) and then occasionally hold common classes with the “other” students. This is still segregation but with a nicer title.

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Integrated status, first and foremost. The distance we would have to travel is another factor and also the class sizes.

Main priority would be that the children do not have to travel far to get to school especially if they have to use buses. As I know this would upset my children, the welfare of the children should be the key priority. We as parents would not be happy sending our children to a predominately catholic or protestant school as we come from a mixed marriage background and we have strong beliefs in our faith. My kids would not survive in a big classroom like this as they are very timid and shy and need that extra help from the teachers. We really hope this has not been a waste of time and the decision has not been made yet as a lot of people believe it has. I would be happy for my kids to attend an integrated school if A brand new school was open and all religion side of things was kept out of school & for all pupils to have a fresh start, I think it would be unfair to expect children to join a school already established !the old Glenarm primary school which was closed years ago I believe would be a great spot!

If the number of primary schools for our area Glenarm was reduced we might have to move. I don’t like my child travelling miles by a school bus. Reduction would make Glenarm and Carnlough less attractive for residents with children, which affects the region in many other ways.

Seaview school now has a great ethos of shared education. If it were to become a Community School for Glenarm children of all denominations and none, it would help to bring life back to our village. If the unthinkable happened and the authorities decide to close Seaview and move all education to Carnlough, you might as well say goodbye to Glenarm as a living village. We need a school here. We have lost our bank, our post office, our doctor. We really don’t want to lose anything else. If there is no school here then families will move away and what will we be then, a retirement village? Please, no!

To continue to have a community school in Glenarm, it’s the heart of the village, to have no school in Glenarm would be devastating, especially as the village seems set to grow with a lot of regeneration planned.

A jointly managed church school in Glenarm. Seaview is a great community school (albeit a Catholic school) but a jointly managed church school in Glenarm would attract more pupils from the local community and be a more sustainable solution.

Maintaining a primary school presence in both villages. There will be a huge responsibility on those left standing to respectfully work in partnership with that school/to come together and generate a shared school/ethos for all into the future.

I think the area can support a Catholic school in Carnlough where that is the denomination of the largest number of population. I think there needs to be a ‘multi faith school ‘ as presently in Glenarm to reflect and serve that mixed population and offer an alternative to those of no particular faith.

Glenarm must maintain a provision for at least one school and both religions to get educated here. Otherwise people will be forced to move.

That Seaview primary school remains with a change to multi faith.

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I believe the numbers will increase but if this was not the case my main priority would be for Seaview to remain open and continue with its Catholic ethos whilst being welcoming and respectful to all other faiths as this is the case at present. The shared education is also a benefit and I feel this works well at allowing all schools to share valuable resources particularly from a technology point of view. I believe this should continue and may be more viable if St John’s was also included.

I do not want to lose integrated education in Carnlough. It has been tried and tested here and it works. The future solution has to be sustainable for the future or we will be in this situation again in years to come. We need to make sure there is buy in for whatever is proposed or we could lose even more children and families from the area seeking education elsewhere leaving us in an even more unsustainable situation. Truly Integrated education (not shared faith) in the Carnlough area where it has been provided since 2001.

There needs a to be an intergrated school in both villages in my opinion, however if this is not possible I feel the school should be in Carnlough as the village is much bigger, however free transport for the neighbouring villages should be made available for them. There should also be a true community nursery not just one that says so in the name. And intergrated secondary education.

The objective needs to be academic excellence provided in a single state of the art school and not based on religious division.

A high standard of education is essential but also important is the the school reflects and promotes the Protestant faith, traditions and culture.

Education, distance and controlled school not integrated! The education authority should not presume that if one school or more is reduced that the children will automatically attend the school that is still available, that would not necessarily be the case i.e if Carnalbangh P.S were closed, the children will most likely not be heading to a school at the coast, so would the board be able to provide places for children at other local controlled schools?

There should be no reason to close these schools. I would rather home school my child than send them to a school in the town or to an integrated or protestant school. I am a very open person and think all races and religions are equal but we should at least have the option of sending our kids to a Catholic school.

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Conclusions

The collective findings from the community conversations revealed a range of perspectives reflective of the Carnlough, Glenarm and Carnalbanagh communities. The following conclusions represent the strongest messages to emerge from these:

1. The strongest preference for school sustainability was a model that retained St John’s PS in Carnlough and the establishment of an integrated school in Glenarm (amalgamating Seaview and Carnlough Integrated), although staff at Carnlough Integrated may be more resistant to this. This preference did not ignore parental choice for individual faith schools nor the implications for Carnalbanagh PS, however, the two-school model represented the most realistic and sustainable option – for education provision in the area and for the life of the communities in which they are located.

2. If an integrated school was to be established in Glenarm, it should be a new build on a new site to remove any sectoral associations. By association, greater awareness of the ethos of integrated education is essential moving forward. Perceived resistance to integrated education was attributed to partial understandings and misconceptions of its role within the education system of Northern Ireland. The Integrated Education Fund (IEF) and Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education (NICIE) have a strategic role in its promotion and advancement in the area.

3. Should Carnalbanagh close, those parents would be most likely to send their children to Hazelbank PS (due to proximity, school sector, and ethos), however this school would not have the places at present.

4. Rural transport is an ongoing issue and the limitations in current provision have impacted on pupil access to the four schools. A review of school transport is a core consideration in the rationalisation process and any plan for future primary education provision should include a viable transport policy that offers pupils regular and efficient travel between the two villages and wider area.

5. Community-based pre-school education is premised on neutral, non-sectoral provision and there was a strong preference that this should be reflected within the process of rationalisation. In particular, options for parental choice should not be indirectly mis-represented nor should pre-schools act as feeders for any primary school.

6. The community conversation in Glenarm and Carnlough has been an important opportunity for participants to voice their views about sustainable education provision in the future and it is essential that, as the statutory process progresses, consistent engagement with teachers, governors, parents and the wider communities of both villages and surrounding area is maintained. All participants in this community conversation welcomed the opportunity to voice their opinions on educational provision in the area. Moving forward, it is important that an accessible, reciprocal, transparent and timely dialogue continues to offset any perceptions of partisan decision-making. The potential for exploring the views of children and young people should be considered as part of the statutory process.

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Appendix: East Antrim (Glenarm, Carnalbanagh and Carnlough) Micro Poll, LucidTalk

42

LucidTalk – The Integrated Education Fund (IEF)

Executive Summary Report

East Antrim (Glenarm, Carnalbanagh, and Carnlough)

Micro Poll – Audited Results

20th November 2017 – Version 2

The Data, Results, and Commentary enclosed in this report are confidential and subject to the provisions of

the UK Data Protection Act. Any publication, distribution, or communication, of this report, or parts of this

report, should only be with the permission of LucidTalk and/or the IEF. In particular, this report includes

audit verification data relating to the project including IP address and respondent date-time verification

information which are subject to specific protection under data protection law. Therefore, this report is

strictly confidential and restricted to LucidTalk and IEF use only.

LucidTalk is a member of all recognised professional Polling and Market Research organisations, including the UK Market

Research Society (UK-MRS), the British Polling Council (BPC), and ESOMAR (European Society of Market Research

Organisations). The BPC are the UK professional body ensuring professional Polling and Market Research standards, and

all polling, research, sampling, methodologies used, market research, and results and reports production, for this

project, are, and have been, carried out to the professional standards laid down by the BPC.

Subject Polling Projects – Micro Polls – IEF East Antrim - Executive Summary Report – AUDITED RESULTS

Issue

Date

20th November 2017 Version 1.0 (24th November -- Version 2.0)

24th November 2017

Author(s) Bill White – LucidTalk

43

East Antrim Area (Glenarm, Carnalbanagh, Carnlough) Micro Poll – FULL AUDITED RESULTS: One Person-One Response Area Primary Education Research Project - Executive Summary Report (Version 2) – 24th November 2017 2

CONTENTS

LucidTalk - Background and Professional Credentials 2

LucidTalk – Polling Methodology 3

Micro-Poll – Auditing Process 3

East Antrim Area Micro Poll: IP Address Verification/Email Authentication 4

East Antrim Area Micro Poll – Audited Results 4

ARE YOU A PARENT?: QUESTION 1 4

PARENTS - CHILD/CHILDREN AGE-GROUPS: QUESTION 2 5

SCHOOLS IN THE GLENARM, CARNALBANAGH, and CARNLOUGH AREA: QUESTION 3 8

EDUCATION INVESTMENT - YOUR VIEW ON PRIORITIES: QUESTION 4 12

ISSUES YOU CONSIDER - FOR PRIMARY EDUCATION QUESTION 5 14

DISTANCE FROM SCHOOL: QUESTION 6 19

DISTANCE FROM SCHOOL: QUESTION 7 21

EDUCATION PLANNING QUESTION 8 23

EDUCATION IN THE GLENARM, CARNALBANAGH, AND CARNLOUGH AREA: QUESTION 9 24

YOUR VIEWS: COMMENTS 25

DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION 29

GENDER: Male or Female? 29

AGE-GROUP 30

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR OCCUPATION? 31

COMMUNITY 32

YOUR RESIDENCE AREA 33

LucidTalk - Background and Professional Credentials

Lucid Talk is an independent polling and market research company with in-depth experience in the use of

polling and general market research for public, private and political organisations, and they were

commissioned to carry out this East Antrim Micro-Poll project work in August 2017.

LucidTalk is a member of all professional British and Irish Polling and Market Research organisations, including

the UK Market Research Society (UK-MRS), the British Polling Council (BPC), AIMRO (Association of Irish

Market Research organisations), and ESOMAR (European Society of Market Research organisations). The BPC

are the primary UK organisation ensuring professional Polling and Market Research standards. All polling,

research, sampling, methodologies used, market research projects and results and reports production have

been carried out to the professional standards laid down by the BPC. As such, all LucidTalk projects gain the

substantial credibility from independent BPC project authentication and approval. NB for this project, and

indeed for all LucidTalk projects, all LucidTalk personnel, and polling and market research teams, are trained

to, and operate to, British Polling Council (BPC) professional standards.

44


LucidTalk – Polling Methodology

The project used poll questions agreed with the project partners. The projects involved interviewing primary

level school parents (18 years+), within a 20-mile radius of the Glenarm and Carnlough areas, until a random

sample of over 400 responses were achieved (final total was 412 participants) within the targeted East Antrim

(Carnlough, Carnalbanagh, and Glenarm) area.

All polling questions were agreed by the project partners and to British Polling Council (BPC) professional

market research standards, to ensure neutrality and balance. The Micro-Poll project poll-survey was carried

out over a period from the 10th October 2017 to 1st November 2017. The sample of 412 respondents was

selected to be broadly demographically representative of the residents within a 20-mile radius of the

Carnlough-Glenarm-Carnalbanagh area. All collated data was analysed, and if applicable, weighted, to ensure

the results represented an accurate view of current opinion in the targeted area of East Antrim, in line with

the gender, age, religion, socio-economic group, population density, and phone status (cellphone

only/landline only etc.). The project was carried out online (90%) using the already established LucidTalk

Northern Ireland Opinion panel, supplemented by telephone (10%).

This base data set of 412 responses was then audited to ensure:

(a) 'one person-one vote' responses, and

(b) the collation of a robust, accurate, and balanced representative sample of opinion (specifically parental

opinion) within the Carnlough, Glenarm, and Carnalbanagh area, and within a 20 mile radius of this area.

This auditing process resulted in 165 responses being analysed in terms of the final audited results – 116

parental opinions, and 49 non-parents (who did not then take part in the main poll-survey). These final

audited poll results are provided in this report, plus full demographic structural poll results for the micro poll

are detailed in the main project report below.

All data results produced are accurate to a margin of error of +/-4% at 95% confidence. LucidTalk would be

pleased to answer any questions regarding the methodology and results for this project. For more information

please contact LucidTalk directly on: [email protected].

Micro-Poll – Auditing Process

Auditing: This report includes the results relating to AUDITED responses only received as part of the project. A

separate report includes the results (412 responses) received from the full project i.e. including non-audited

responses. The micro-poll project was carried out on the basis of ‘invitation’ to the LT NI Opinion Panel, plus

an additional ‘invitation’ to residents in the targeted area. As such, it was not carried out on the basis of ‘one

participant – one vote’, and some outside the targeted area may have participated. This is welcome because it

gives a general wide view of sentiment in the targeted area, and surrounding the target area. The audited

results presented in this report are ‘one participant – one vote’, and ‘one parent – per household’ responses,

and that the participants (in this sub-group) definitely reside in the targeted area. This has necessarily lead to

a smaller sample size (no. of participants – 165, see above) however this will be a more rigorous

representative sample of opinion, relating to pre-primary/primary school parents, and specifically within the

targeted geographic area. Both the audited report (lower sample size – this report) and non-audited report

(412 responses) should be reviewed jointly, and as complementary to each other.

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East Antrim Area Micro Poll: IP Address Verification/Email Authentication

(Glenarm, Carnalbanagh, and Carnlough) – 165 Responses (audited).

IP Address Verification + authentication of individual email addresses, including date-time stamp

analyses took place to ensure all responses are/were ‘one-participant, one-response’ and ‘one-

parent, one-response’. Geographic verification also took place to ensure all respondents were

resident within 20 miles of the target area for respondent participation.

UK and Ireland Data Protection Law prohibits the publication of the listing and detail of this

verification process. However, full tables showing IP address, linked date/time verification, and

email verification, can be made available, and reviewed, on request. NB this would have to be

under ‘Non-Disclosure Agreement’ conditions registered in a legal escrow arrangement.

East Antrim Area Micro Poll – Audited Results

(Glenarm, Carnalbanagh, and Carnlough) – 165 Responses

Area Research Project – Primary Education:

FULL AUDITED RESULTS 10th October - 1st November 2017

Micro Poll: Summary Report: AUDITED RESULTS – Version 1

Main results – Quantitative and Qualitative, including graphics. Full demographic analyses e.g. by gender,

age-group, community, etc. – are available on request.

ARE YOU A PARENT?: QUESTION 1: Are you a parent of pre-primary, or primary school aged child/ren?

FULL AUDITED RESULTS i.e. these are full audited results for the general East Antrim and surrounding area Education research

micro-poll - including the Glenarm, Carnlough, and Carnalbanagh area. All results in this report have been verified as ‘one respondent – one-vote’, via IP address and email address analysis. IP address verification has also taken place to ensure all respondents reside in the general Glenarm, Carnlough, and Carnalbanagh area to within a range of 20 miles.

Response

Percent Response

Total

1 YES - Parent: pre or primary child/ren

70.30% 116

2 NO - Not parent: pre or primary child/ren

29.70% 49

Analysis Mean: 1.3 Std. Deviation: 0.46 Satisfaction Rate: 29.7

Variance: 0.21 Std. Error: 0.04

answered 165

skipped 0

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PARENTS - CHILD/CHILDREN AGE-GROUPS: QUESTION 2: You have indicated that you are a parent of

pre-primary, and/or primary school aged child/ren, - May we ask what age(s) are your child/ren (please tick all that apply) FULL AUDITED RESULTS i.e. these are full audited results for the general East Antrim and surrounding

area Education research micro-poll - including the Glenarm, Carnlough, and Carnalbanagh area. All results in this report have been verified as ‘one respondent – one-vote’, via IP address and email address analysis. IP address verification has also taken place to ensure all respondents reside in the general Glenarm, Carnlough, and Carnalbanagh area to within a range of 20 miles.

1 child 2 children 3 children 4 children Response

Total

0-4 Years 71.2% (47)

22.7% (15)

6.1% (4)

0.0% (0)

66

5-8 Years 74.0% (57)

22.1% (17)

3.9% (3)

0.0% (0)

77

9-11 Years 92.2% (47)

7.8% (4)

0.0% (0)

0.0% (0)

51

answered 116

skipped 49

47


Matrix Charts

1. 0-4 Years Response

Percent Response

Total

1 1 child

71.2% 47

2 2 children

22.7% 15

3 3 children

6.1% 4

4 4 children 0.0% 0



answered 66

48



Percent Response

Total

1 1 child

74.0% 57

2 2 children

22.1% 17

3 3 children

3.9% 3

4 4 children 0.0% 0



answered 77


Percent Response

Total

1 1 child

92.2% 47

2 2 children

7.8% 4

3 3 children 0.0% 0

4 4 children 0.0% 0



answered 51

49


SCHOOLS IN THE GLENARM, CARNALBANAGH, and CARNLOUGH AREA: QUESTION 3: You have

indicated that you are a parent of pre-primary, and/or primary school aged child/ren, - May we ask what schools, if any, they currently attend? (tick all that apply) FULL AUDITED RESULTS i.e. these are full audited

results for the general East Antrim and surrounding area Education research micro-poll - including the Glenarm, Carnlough, and Carnalbanagh area. All results in this report have been verified as ‘one respondent – one-vote’, via IP address and email address analysis. IP address verification has also taken place to ensure all respondents reside in the general Glenarm, Carnlough, and Carnalbanagh area to within a range of 20 miles.


Total

Carnalbanagh Primary School 40.9%

(9) 54.5% (12)

4.5% (1)

0.0% (0)

22

Seaview Primary School 63.0% (17)

25.9% (7)

7.4% (2)

3.7% (1)

27

Carnlough CIPS 75.0% (21)

25.0% (7)

0.0% (0)

0.0% (0)

28

St John's Primary School 48.4% (15)

48.4% (15)

3.2% (1)

0.0% (0)

31

Other (please specify) 73.7% (14)

21.1% (4)

5.3% (1)

0.0% (0)

19

answered 114

skipped 51

Comments - Re. the last option e.g. this could be another primary school, and/or a pre-primary nursery: (18)

1 Glenarm Community Pre-School

2 Glenarm Pre school

3 Glenarm community pre school

4 Preschool

5 Carnlough community nursery

6 My children go to Seaview as this is our community school.

7 Cairncastle PS

8 Corran integrated primary



11 Glenarm community pre-school

12 carnlough nursery

13 Child about to start carnlough nursery school

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SCHOOLS IN THE GLENARM, CARNALBANAGH, and CARNLOUGH AREA: QUESTION 3: You have

indicated that you are a parent of pre-primary, and/or primary school aged child/ren, - May we ask what schools, if any, they currently attend? (tick all that apply) FULL AUDITED RESULTS i.e. these are full audited



Total

14 Another primary

15 My youngest child attend Glenarm Community PreSchool

16 Broughshane Community centre of early learning - (preschool)

17 Linn Primary School Larne

18 St Patricks PS

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Matrix Charts

1. Carnalbanagh Primary School Response

Percent Response

Total

1 1 child

40.9% 9

2 2 children

54.5% 12

3 3 children

4.5% 1

4 4 children 0.0% 0



answered 22

2. Seaview Primary School Response

Percent Response

Total

1 1 child

63.0% 17

2 2 children

25.9% 7

3 3 children

7.4% 2

4 4 children

3.7% 1



answered 27

3. Carnlough CIPS Response

Percent Response

Total

1 1 child

75.0% 21

2 2 children

25.0% 7

3 3 children 0.0% 0

4 4 children 0.0% 0



answered 28

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4. St John's Primary School Response

Percent Response

Total

1 1 child

48.4% 15

2 2 children

48.4% 15

3 3 children

3.2% 1

4 4 children 0.0% 0



answered 31

5. Other (please specify) Response

Percent Response

Total

1 1 child

73.7% 14

2 2 children

21.1% 4

3 3 children

5.3% 1

4 4 children 0.0% 0



answered 19

53


EDUCATION INVESTMENT - YOUR VIEW ON PRIORITIES: QUESTION 4: Please choose FOUR (and only

Four) of the following as areas you would prioritise for investment in terms of pre-primary, and primary education provision, in the Glenarm, Carnalbanagh, and Carnlough areas: FULL AUDITED RESULTS i.e.

these are full audited results for the general East Antrim and surrounding area Education research micro-poll - including the Glenarm, Carnlough, and Carnalbanagh area. All results in this report have been verified as ‘one respondent – one-vote’, via IP address and email address analysis. IP address verification has also taken place to ensure all respondents reside in the general Glenarm, Carnlough, and Carnalbanagh area to within a range of 20 miles.

Response

Percent Response

Total

1 Buildings (new and current), Repairs and Maint'ance

65.52% 76

2 Cross community collaboratn between schools

63.79% 74

3 Staffing Levels: Teachers and classroom assistants

81.03% 94

4 Home to School transport services

42.24% 49

5 State of the art technology in schools

41.38% 48

6 Special educational needs provision

36.21% 42

7 Sports and cultural facilities

29.31% 34

8 Wrap around care (i.e. before and after the school day)

31.90% 37

9 Other - OPTIONAL (Please specify in the 'Comments' below)

8.62% 10



answered 116

skipped 49

Comments - Particularly If you have an 'Other' suggestion - see above: (11)

1 Integrated education is a priority for me. Education shouldn't be segregated. I don't see a future in this region without it.

2 a community school

3 N/A

4 I think the children are the important one here and our children and us as parents are very happy with school and staff in Glenarm we need a school in our village.

5 The buildings would need to be able more children .

6 Integrated education

7 Besides a great level of education I would prioritise a joint faith school in Glenarm village

8 Rather than wasting tax payers money endlessly on schools for nostalgia sake and avoidance of huge public sector redundancy payments and pensions, let us fund centres of excellence without composite classes and realize the days of needing a school walking distance from your village are over.

54


EDUCATION INVESTMENT - YOUR VIEW ON PRIORITIES: QUESTION 4: Please choose FOUR (and only

Four) of the following as areas you would prioritise for investment in terms of pre-primary, and primary education provision, in the Glenarm, Carnalbanagh, and Carnlough areas: FULL AUDITED RESULTS i.e.

these are full audited results for the general East Antrim and surrounding area Education research micro-poll - including the Glenarm, Carnlough, and Carnalbanagh area. All results in this report have been verified as ‘one respondent – one-vote’, via IP address and email address analysis. IP address verification has also taken place to ensure all respondents reside in the general Glenarm, Carnlough, and Carnalbanagh area to within a range of 20 miles.

Response

Percent Response

Total

9 Extra curricular activities such as gardening club, Scripture Union, Spanish and French language club, homework club and football

10 Extra - curricular facilities such as Scripture Union, football, garden club, cooking club, French & Spanish club, homework club.

11 I think more money should be put into educating the general public about the integrated ethos, so that they are better informed and would perhaps then consider sending their children to an integrated school, as I feel this is the only way to move the country forward and possibly end the difficulties we face across communities, still stuck in the past.

55


ISSUES YOU CONSIDER - FOR PRIMARY EDUCATION QUESTION 5: Please rate the topics below 1-5 in

terms of how important they would be in making a decision as to which primary school you would choose for your child/ren. 1-Very Important, 5-Not Important. FULL AUDITED RESULTS i.e. these are full

audited results for the general East Antrim and surrounding area Education research micro-poll - including the Glenarm, Carnlough, and Carnalbanagh area. All results in this report have been verified as ‘one respondent – one-vote’, via IP address and email address analysis. IP address verification has also taken place to ensure all respondents reside in the general Glenarm, Carnlough, and Carnalbanagh area to within a range of 20 miles.

Very

Important Important

Neutral - Neither Important/Unimportant

Unimportant Very

Unimportant Response

Total

Distance to the school from your home

37.1% (43)

44.0% (51)

15.5% (18)

2.6% (3)

0.9% (1)

116

An Integrated Ethos: School for all faiths and none

37.1% (43)

14.7% (17)

32.8% (38)

6.9% (8)

8.6% (10)

116

A school which reflects a single religious or cultural background

12.1% (14)

19.8% (23)

23.3% (27)

17.2% (20)

27.6% (32)

116

Good sports, cultural, and extra-curricular activities

23.3% (27)

38.8% (45)

25.9% (30)

12.1% (14)

0.0% (0)

116

Good, well maintained, school buildings and facilities

44.8% (52)

50.9% (59)

4.3% (5)

0.0% (0)

0.0% (0)

116

Availability of good transport to and from the school

30.2% (35)

45.7% (53)

21.6% (25)

1.7% (2)

0.9% (1)

116

Good educational standards 82.8% (96)

17.2% (20)

0.0% (0)

0.0% (0)

0.0% (0)

116

Other - Please specify in 'Comments' below (if no 'Other' then don't answer)

90.9% (10)

9.1% (1)

0.0% (0)

0.0% (0)

0.0% (0)

11

answered 116

skipped 49

56


Matrix Charts

1. Distance to the school from your home Response

Percent Response

Total

1 Very Important

37.1% 43

2 Important

44.0% 51

3 Neutral - Neither Important/Unimportant

15.5% 18

4 Unimportant

2.6% 3

5 Very Unimportant

0.9% 1



answered 116

57


2. An Integrated Ethos: School for all faiths and none Response

Percent Response

Total

1 Very Important

37.1% 43

2 Important

14.7% 17


32.8% 38

4 Unimportant

6.9% 8

5 Very Unimportant

8.6% 10



answered 116

3. A school which reflects a single religious or cultural background Response

Percent Response

Total

1 Very Important

12.1% 14

2 Important

19.8% 23


23.3% 27

4 Unimportant

17.2% 20

5 Very Unimportant

27.6% 32



answered 116

4. Good sports, cultural, and extra-curricular activities Response

Percent Response

Total

1 Very Important

23.3% 27

2 Important

38.8% 45


25.9% 30

4 Unimportant

12.1% 14

5 Very Unimportant 0.0% 0



answered 116

58


5. Good, well maintained, school buildings and facilities Response

Percent Response

Total

1 Very Important

44.8% 52

2 Important

50.9% 59


4.3% 5

4 Unimportant 0.0% 0




answered 116

6. Availability of good transport to and from the school Response

Percent Response

Total

1 Very Important

30.2% 35

2 Important

45.7% 53


21.6% 25

4 Unimportant

1.7% 2

5 Very Unimportant

0.9% 1



answered 116

7. Good educational standards Response

Percent Response

Total

1 Very Important

82.8% 96

2 Important

17.2% 20

3 Neutral - Neither Important/Unimportant 0.0% 0





answered 116

59


8. Other - Please specify in 'Comments' below (if no 'Other' then don't answer) Response

Percent Response

Total

1 Very Important

90.9% 10

2 Important

9.1% 1

3 Neutral - Neither Important/Unimportant 0.0% 0





answered 11

An option for ‘Other’ was also offered for this question to allow for participants to specify other issues that

weren’t included in the seven actual options referenced for this Question – Question 5. Approximately 10% of participants took this ‘Other’ option and we detail here the issues they referenced:

Comments - Particularly if you have indicated 'Other' above: (14)

1 a school for the village of glenarm

2 Good teacher to pupil ratio.

3 for all children not to be segregated. they are not segregated in pre school or university. coming from a mixed marriage I don't approve of this.

4 Again the children are very important.

5 A school which is pro active in dealing with bullying.

6 As I don’t drive, I’d like my children to remain in Carnlough p.s as it’s easier for me to get them to and from school.

7 Within the local community

8 A joint faith school would suit the demographics of Glenarm village aaa - the pre school is very well supported because it is educationally very good but also because it has no religion attached to it.

9 School within the community.

10 Could you imagine public schools making a pitch for its existence in the private sector? Maybe we should! They have become another arm and reflection of the N.I public sector/ Civil service. Stop exacting money from the weak and poor to pay for a failing bloated system. Newsflash! More money won’t help.

11 Just to clarify my answer I do not want an integrated ethos for my children, I wish for them to a attend a Protestant based school.

12 I am uncertain about the nature of the second point, so just to clarify, I am not in support of an integrated education system but want a Protestant based school.

13 My child's education is important and I would prefer that he stayed in an integrated educational environment

14 It is essential in my opinion that there is provision for integrated education available to all areas.

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DISTANCE FROM SCHOOL: QUESTION 6: How far does your child/ren travel to primary school? If you

have more than 1 child and at different primary schools - please choose the furthest distance that applies. FULL AUDITED RESULTS i.e. these are full audited results for the general East Antrim and surrounding area

Education research micro-poll - including the Glenarm, Carnlough, and Carnalbanagh area. All results in this report have been verified as ‘one respondent – one-vote’, via IP address and email address analysis. IP address verification has also taken place to ensure all respondents reside in the general Glenarm, Carnlough, and Carnalbanagh area to within a range of 20 miles.

0-3 MILES 4-5 MILES 6-10 MILES 10+ MILES

N/A - Child/Children

still pre-primary age

Response Total

PRIMARY SCHOOL - Travel Distance (Currently)

46.1% (53)

27.0% (31)

20.0% (23)

5.2% (6)

1.7% (2)

115

answered 115

skipped 50

61


Matrix Charts

1. PRIMARY SCHOOL - Travel Distance (Currently) Response

Percent Response

Total

1 0-3 MILES

46.1% 53

2 4-5 MILES

27.0% 31

3 6-10 MILES

20.0% 23

4 10+ MILES

5.2% 6

5 N/A - Child/Children still pre-primary age

1.7% 2



answered 115

62


DISTANCE FROM SCHOOL: QUESTION 7: What is the maximum that you feel is a reasonable distance for

child/ren to travel to primary school? FULL AUDITED RESULTS i.e. these are full audited results for the general East

Antrim and surrounding area Education research micro-poll - including the Glenarm, Carnlough, and Carnalbanagh area. All results in this report have been verified as ‘one respondent – one-vote’, via IP address and email address analysis. IP address verification has also taken place to ensure all respondents reside in the general Glenarm, Carnlough, and Carnalbanagh area to within a range of 20 miles.

0-3 MILES 4-5 MILES 6-10 MILES 10+ MILES Response

Total

PRIMARY SCHOOL - Travel Distance (What's reasonable)

34.8% (40)

43.5% (50)

13.9% (16)

7.8% (9)

115

answered 115

skipped 50

63


Matrix Charts

1. PRIMARY SCHOOL - Travel Distance (What's reasonable) Response

Percent Response

Total

1 0-3 MILES

34.8% 40

2 4-5 MILES

43.5% 50

3 6-10 MILES

13.9% 16

4 10+ MILES

7.8% 9



answered 115

64


EDUCATION PLANNING QUESTION 8: Background: Following a review of primary and post-primary

education across Northern Ireland, Area Based Plans have been drawn up. Are you aware that there is an Area Based Planning process underway for education? FULL AUDITED RESULTS i.e. these are full audited


Response

Percent Response

Total

1 YES

55.17% 64

2 NO

44.83% 52



answered 116

skipped 49

65


EDUCATION IN THE GLENARM, CARNALBANAGH, AND CARNLOUGH AREA: QUESTION 9: Prior to this

current Glenarm, Carnalbanagh, and Carnlough education research project - Have you been consulted about any possible changes regarding education provision, which may occur in your area? FULL AUDITED RESULTS i.e. these are full audited results for the general East Antrim and surrounding area Education research micro-

poll - including the Glenarm, Carnlough, and Carnalbanagh area. All results in this report have been verified as ‘one respondent – one-vote’, via IP address and email address analysis. IP address verification has also taken place to ensure all respondents reside in the general Glenarm, Carnlough, and Carnalbanagh area to within a range of 20 miles.

Response

Percent Response

Total

1 YES

14.66% 17

2 NO

56.90% 66

3 Not Sure/Can't Remember

28.45% 33



answered 116

skipped 49

66


YOUR VIEWS: COMMENTS: If there is one thing you would change about the education provision in the

Glenarm, Carnalbanagh, and Carnlough area - what would it be? FULL AUDITED RESULTS i.e. these are full


Response

Percent Response

Total

1 Open-Ended Question 100.00% 47

1 if Carnalbanagh was closing I would send my children to a joint faith type school in Glenarm. I live in the village.

2 It is the upmost importance to me that a school exists in Glenarm. I intend for my children to go to Seaview and if it was integrated or a joint faith school they would continue to attend the school in Glenarm.

3 n/a

4 More access to sport facilities

5 Provide one school for all children on neutral ground and an end to the apartheid system of education which is still accepted by many in the region.

6 End the insanity that is segregated education - children are being segregated on the basis of religion from the age of 4 Upgrade the facilities available to the integrated school and provide a home to school bus system (which has been provided for EVERY other school apart from the integrated school). The Education Authority needs to remember that it has a legal obligation to promote integrated education - as per the Good Friday Agreement. They have done a poor job in terms of rejecting upgrades and provided transport to the integrated school. One last point which is not entirely relevant to the question but needs to be addressed: There is only 1 integrated school in the entire catchment area - this is not just an issue for Carnlough and Glenarm, rather for families in the Waterfoot/Glenariff/Cushendall direction. Without the one integrated school that is there, there will be no integrated option available - how tragic is this.

7 it would be a shame not to have a community school in glenarm. I would send my children there if it were a joint faith school.

8 Make it less insular. Schools should be integrated, at the very least. Although secular schools would be an even better, (if highly unlikely), option.

9 Make it integrated. Schools should prepare children for the wider world.

10 No changes necessary, our school provides good educational standards as it currently stands where children are well cared for and are well prepared for the next stage of their education.

11 A school where all faiths could go in my local village

12 I think in today's society there is only room for integrated education for our children. We live in a village with numerous religions, faith and ethnic groups and a school that can teach us to accept and treat everyone as a unique individual by teaching us about all faiths is the way forward.

13 St John’s should be added to the shared education programme.

14 have all the schools in one base. (seaview) there is a bus travels from Glenarm to cairncastle and one to carnalbanagh. it's silly if seaview was mixed faith there would be no need for these children to travel

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Response

Percent Response

Total

15 I am happy with the current education provision an glenarm and carnlough. My children are very happy at school. The teachers are caring professional and fair. The bus takes the to and from school and although it takes 25 minutes the boys love and see it as an adventure on their way to school. I wouldn't change anything about my boys education experience at Seaview.

16 That any primary provision moving forward would be in a completely integrated environment. 'All faith' is not integrated. Religion has no place in education, particularly in the NI context.

17 All faith school would be the way forward

18 Keep a school in glenarm area to accommodate village and country children with an integrated approach to suit the community

19 Keep carnalbanagh Join St. John's & seaview Divide carnlough integrated between St. John's and carnalbanagh

20 We live in Glenarm village and send our children to the local school, Seaview PS. My one change would be to have Seaview PS as a Multi-faith Community school that would appeal to all dominations.

21 I think this could be sorted by keeping a mixed faith school in each village Glenarm and Carnlough.

22 No. Very happy with the school our children attend.

23 I think schools there should be one school in Glenarm that provides integrated education.

24 Would love the school in glenarm to become integrated.

25 That there is more support from the board etc. for integrated education. As they provide a bus for children to go out of carnlough and Glenarm to cairncastle but will not provide transport within this area i.e. Glenarm to carnlough

26 One big integrated school with children of all faiths.

27 To save schools in local communities, it is very important for the children and the communities

28 CIPS provides for my child's educational needs and is integrated everything I could ask for my children. If there was one thing I would change it would be that all children had that opportunity and this was the only school type in this area and in Northern Ireland going forward.

29 Nothing I am perfectly happy with the way my children are progressing at their school but also get to meet others through shared education. I am quite happy with the way the four school Are

30 A school in glenarm where all the kids can go together & not have to be separated because of religion

31 A school in the village where all the children can attend no matter what their religion. 1 good school is better than 3 small schools where 3 to 4 age groups is in one room with one teacher trying to teach them all

32 Nothing, it is fine the way it is

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Response

Percent Response

Total

33 Keep a CCMS school in Carnlough and rework Seaview Primary School so that it becomes a joint faith school this would suit the demographics of the village. Seaview Primary already have been very active with the community and local businesses within in this has taught my child to respect his surroundings and the older generation. This is invaluable. Seaview currently use the village - harbour, forest, beach this obviously enhances learning and builds on the community aspect of a rural school, it also saves on buses for trips etc. Seaview is the heart of the village do not remove the school from the village.

34 Nothing I personally think that the schools are fine the way they are, as I have two children at Carnalbanagh and though it's a small school my children are learning ahead of their time! I think the smaller schools can provide more attention to each individual child and educate them to a higher standard.

35 A new school in glenarm that takes all religions. if the 2 glenarm schools was to close we will be left with nothing. glenarm will become a retirement village. we need to think of the future children in our area. A school for all the kids in our hometown is needed

36 A jointly managed faith school in Glenarm. This might stop so many children not from a Catholic background leaving for Cairncastle and Carnalbanagh. Some parents living in Glenarm have indicated that they would move their children to a school like this within the community.

37 Integration is our children’s & our country’s future! Build on our already best model at CCIPS since 2001. More special needs emphasis & provision for children i.e. one to one teaching & classroom assistants. Keep class sizes small! Catholic maintained school should be forced into cross community ties & lead by example. Catholic maintained principal, board of governors at St Johns Carnlough should come out of the dark ages & lead by example & become part of our wonderful shared education programme. Carnlough community nursery school should remain impartial & be removed from its campus at St John's chapel & school. Principal of the community nursery should not also be principal of catholic school. Children at the community nursery who are going onto integrated education are currently frowned on & treated with dismay. Integrated education & it's promotion after all is one of the terms of the good Friday agreement. TAKE RELIGION OUT OF EDUCATION! Keep religion for your day of choice & respect all other faiths, races ethnicities & genders. Children do not know segregation & bigotry so why teach them it.

38 NOTHING, I AM EXTREMELY HAPPY WITH THE FIRST CLASS EDUCATION MY CHILD RECEIVES AND DO NOT WANT TO CHANGE CURRENT ARRANGEMENTS!

39 Allow freedom to open a private school in the area for those who are so concerned. In their deep concern and care they can pay for a private education. If you want so called Free education then accept that your children travel a few miles.

40 I would not change anything

41 Nothing, I wish for Carnalbanagh to maintain as a rural controlled primary school, where my children are extremely happy as am I with the provision and education they receive.

42 Nothing, I am very happy with the provision of my local rural primary school in Carnalbanagh and wish for it to remain.

43 Have the 4 schools join together as one and have it integrated also a new name and uniform

44 It is so important that to highlight the importance of the integrated ethos and stress the point that Carnlough CIPS has had integrated status since 2001. If anything we should be given more support and funding to help our school to grow, not be

69





Response

Percent Response

Total

threatened with uncertainty. If the other schools don't want to move into the 21st century then that is their prerogative but the only way forward, that I can see, is integration.

45 Remove faith specific schools and the divisions they foster.

46 A multifaith school in glenarm with a Christian ethos no religion to be brought in! Religion should not be brought into schools at all! If parents want their children to go to mass or church take them on the weekend, just like I do myself !

47 More funding for teaching and non-teaching resources.

answered 47

skipped 118

70


DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

GENDER: Male or Female? NB Market research standards currently define Gender as what is/was

specified on your birth certificate. Your own definition of your gender since then (if different) does not apply. FULL AUDITED RESULTS i.e. these are full audited results for the general East Antrim and surrounding area Education

research micro-poll - including the Glenarm, Carnlough, and Carnalbanagh area. All results in this report have been verified as ‘one respondent – one-vote’, via IP address and email address analysis. IP address verification has also taken place to ensure all respondents reside in the general Glenarm, Carnlough, and Carnalbanagh area to within a range of 20 miles.

Response

Percent Response

Total

1 Male

38.79% 45

2 Female

61.21% 71



answered 116

skipped 49

71


AGE-GROUP: 18-24, 25-44, 45-64, 65+ years. FULL AUDITED RESULTS i.e. these are full audited results for the

general East Antrim and surrounding area Education research micro-poll - including the Glenarm, Carnlough, and Carnalbanagh area. All results in this report have been verified as ‘one respondent – one-vote’, via IP address and email address analysis. IP address verification has also taken place to ensure all respondents reside in the general Glenarm, Carnlough, and Carnalbanagh area to within a range of 20 miles.

Response

Percent Response

Total

1 18-24 years

6.03% 7

2 25-44 years

87.93% 102

3 45-64 years

6.03% 7

4 65+ years 0.00% 0

Analysis Mean: 2 Std. Deviation: 0.35 Satisfaction Rate: 33.33


answered 116

skipped 49

72


HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR OCCUPATION? (just an approximate view will do): A - Managing

Director/Senior-Middle Manager/Doctor/Lawyer, B - Junior Manager/Teacher/Small business owner, C - Clerk/Tradesman/Driver/Labourer, D - Unemployed/On Benefits, E - Retired/Housewife/Househusband, F - Student/In Full-Time Education/Training. FULL AUDITED RESULTS i.e. these are full audited results for the general

East Antrim and surrounding area Education research micro-poll - including the Glenarm, Carnlough, and Carnalbanagh area. All results in this report have been verified as ‘one respondent – one-vote’, via IP address and email address analysis. IP address verification has also taken place to ensure all respondents reside in the general Glenarm, Carnlough, and Carnalbanagh area to within a range of 20 miles.

Response

Percent Response

Total

1 A - Senior or Middle Manager/Doctor/ Lawyer etc.

14.66% 17

2 B - Junior Manager/Small Business owner/Skilled Trade etc.

38.79% 45

3 C - Clerk/Tradesman/Driver/Labourer etc.

24.14% 28

4 D - Unemployed/On Benefits/Temp not Working etc.

8.62% 10

5 E - Rtired/Housewife/Househusband

13.79% 16

6 F - Student/Full-Time Education/Traing 0.00% 0



answered 116

skipped 49

73


COMMUNITY: What community group do you belong to, or were brought up in? NB It's your choice how

you determine your community i.e. whether it's what you are now, or how you were brought up (i.e. if different). FULL AUDITED RESULTS i.e. these are full audited results for the general East Antrim and surrounding area

Education research micro-poll - including the Glenarm, Carnlough, and Carnalbanagh area. All results in this report have been verified as ‘one respondent – one-vote’, via IP address and email address analysis. IP address verification has also taken place to ensure all respondents reside in the general Glenarm, Carnlough, and Carnalbanagh area to within a range of 20 miles.

Response

Percent Response

Total

1 Protestant

34.48% 40

2 Catholic

48.28% 56

3 Other Religion

4.31% 5

4 No Religion

12.93% 15



answered 116

skipped 49

74


YOUR RESIDENCE AREA: Would you say you live in: Glenarm and surrounding area?, or Carnlough and

surrounding area? FULL AUDITED RESULTS i.e. these are full audited results for the general East Antrim and surrounding

area Education research micro-poll - including the Glenarm, Carnlough, and Carnalbanagh area. All results in this report have been verified as ‘one respondent – one-vote’, via IP address and email address analysis. IP address verification has also taken place to ensure all respondents reside in the general Glenarm, Carnlough, and Carnalbanagh area to within a range of 20 miles.

Response

Percent Response

Total

1 Glenarm and surrounding area

38.79% 45

2 Carnlough and surrounding area

48.28% 56

3 Other - i.e. outside Glenarm or Carnlough areas (please specify):

12.93% 15



answered 116

skipped 49

Other - i.e. outside Glenarm or Carnlough areas (please specify): (15)

1 Glenariff

2 Glenariff

3 Carnalbanagh

4 Carnalbanagh

5 I live in carnlough. my children are protested and I will be sending them to cairncastle primary school as I'm not happy with reports that I have been hearing in the community about the 2 schools in Carnlough. however if there was to be a mixed faith school based in seaview primary school I would send all 3 of my children there in a heartbeat.

6 Larne

7 Carnagear

8 Carnalbanagh

9 Larne

10 Carnalbana

11 Carnalbanagh

12 Carnalbanagh

13 Carnalbanagh

14 Outside village of Carnlough

15 Ballymena

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Documents

Carnlough and Glenarm Community Conversation...Carnlough and Glenarm Community Conversation: Gathering views on local primary school provision Dr Jessica Bates and Dr Una O’Connor-Bones