The initial optimism of a new future for Northern Ireland and of local politicians making local decisions was diminished by the suspension of the Northern Ireland Assembly and the return to Direct Rule. With the appointment of a new Council, attention was turned to advancing the selection debate and the recommendations of the Costello working group.
In February 2001, the Council issued its response to the Review Body on Post-Primary Education. In it the Council recognised that the demographic downturn could hold both constraints and opportunities. Furthermore, the Council recognised the relationship between schooling and future society. The Council called for a systemic review of education and a review of the issues raised in its position paper.
The Costello Report highlighted significant weaknesses in current transfer and post-primary arrangements which they commented worked well for some but not for others. The Report also highlighted the prevalence of pupil inequality within Northern Ireland's education system. At the heart of the Costello Report were the underpinning principles of child-centred equality, quality, relevance, access, and the highlighting that the education service needs to provide: choice, respect, partnership.
The Costello Report recommended the development of alternative transfer procedures with a view to the current transfer tests being withdrawn as soon as practicable. Pupil development of a Pupil Profile to inform parental and pupil choice; access for all young people to a broader curriculum providing greater choice; flexible arrangements that can meet the developing needs of young people; greater co-operation and collaboration among schools and with the further education sector.
It is not surprising that the recommendations outlined by the Costello Report had previously been identified by the Council. It is notable that the recommendations of the Council on Selection and the future for education within Northern Ireland can be found extensively within the Report itself.
Pivotal to the Council’s work during this period was the publication of two influential and far reaching documents. 'Proclaiming the Mission' outlined the challenges facing Catholic Education and emphasised the key role of Catholic ethos in Catholic education. It also provided the foundation of 'Building Peace: Shaping the Future', a crucial document which highlighted the Council's commitment to promoting a culture of tolerance, respect, reconciliation and diversity within Catholic Schools.
The Council continued to support the Professional Qualification for Headship Programme through its encouragement of teachers to apply and its commitment to the selection process.
2005 saw the release of the documents 'Risk Assessment' and 'Pastoral Care'. As health and safety measures in schools are subjected to ever greater scrutiny, the publication of this risk assessment document demonstrated the commitment of CCMS to the welfare of all its pupils and staff alike.
The pastoral care document didn’t set in stone a set of directives and procedures to be rigidly adhered to, rather it was more designed to act as a catalyst, identifying six areas of pastoral care and providing inspiration for principals to find answers for themselves.
Perhaps the most far-reaching development and one which would have significant implications for the Council’s future was the Review of Public Administration announced in 2005.
In 2003, the Council published its response on the Review of Public administration, the largest examination in more than 30 years of the organisation and delivery of public services in Northern Ireland. It was initiated by the devolved executive before the assembly was suspended in October 2002.
In their consultation response, the Council acknowledged that there was a need for change within the education sector and they offered a number of specific proposals to support the implementation of the review. The Council, in response to the Review, conveyed the view that CCMS should remain a statutory body and should retain its status as an employing authority. Furthermore, although the Council recognised and, indeed, welcomed reform within the education sector, they were keen to underline the importance of preserving ethos within Catholic schools.
November 2005 saw the announcement by the Secretary of State of the Review of Public Administration. This Review recommended that CCMS’ role be reduced to that of an advisory rather than a statutory body. It is not surprising that this announcement informed the business of the 100th Council meeting.
