16 December 1999

EDUCATION MINISTER URGES MORE SCHOOLS TO APPLY FOR SHARE OF £9.2 MILLION LOTTERY FUND GRANTS

The Education Minister, Martin McGuinness MP, welcomed today's announcement that the New Opportunities Fund has included Larne High School in its latest award of lottery grants for out of school hours learning activities.

The Minister said: "I am very pleased that Larne High School's application for resources to support the extension of its out of school hours activities has been successful. The school's plans will involve parents and the local community in the education of children.

"I particularly welcome this approach as I regard it as important that communities work with schools and provide support for each other. What Larne High School is doing will serve as an example to other schools and communities and I congratulate the school on its success.

"Including this award, the New Opportunities Fund has made grants totaling £217,000 to eight of our schools to date. I hope that many more will apply as there are substantial resources still available from the Fund.

"A total £9.2m will be available from the New Opportunities Fund for out of school hours learning projects and summer schools. This is a great opportunity for schools to extend or enhance activities which they are already providing, or to develop new and innovative projects, which will support children's learning through a range of stimulating activities and help to raise standards.

"I would encourage more schools to make application to the fund; today's announcement for Larne High School is a clear indication of what can be done."

 

NOTES FOR EDITORS:

1 - The New Opportunities Fund (NOF) is a lottery awarding body. It had made available £8.1m for out of school hours learning activities and £1.1m for summer schools.

2 - NOF aims to support at least half of all secondary and special schools and a quarter of all primary schools.

3 - The award to Larne High School is for £40,338 to extend its existing study provision. One of the activities to be extended is support in the development of reading skills. Two new elements will also be created: to develop musical talents through guitar and key board provision and a homework/study centre and internet access centre.

4 - NOF operates a rolling process for applications and applications may be submitted up to 1 March 2001 for out of school hours learning activities and up to 1 September 2001 for summer schools.

5 - Media enquiries about the awards should be made to NOF at 0171 221 1888. Details of all grants made by NOF are available on its website: www.nof.org.uk