McElduff: Minister must be for all kids

Minister needs to represent all children on Eleven Plus, according to West Tyrone MLA Barry McElduff.

The Chair of Stormont's Education Committee has welcomed it's decision to invite Minister Peter Weir, to appear before it.

West Tyrone MLA Barry McElduff says it's important he appears so he can explain his decision to reverse department policy on controversial transfer tests.

That's after the minister decided to 'O-K' teachers using class time for coaching pupils for unregulated transfer tests.

“I welcome the decision of the Education Committee to invite the minister to come before it.

“We want him to give us an explanation for his recent decision to reverse Department of Education policy and allow primary school teachers to use up valuable class time to coach some pupils towards transfer tests," he said.

He also added that his party weren't the only ones opposed to the move.

“Churches, unions, school principals, teachers and parents have all expressed their deep concern regarding the decision to allow teachers to coach pupils for transfer tests.

"I would remind the minister that he represents all our children, not just those whose parents have put them forward for transfer tests.

"In truth, I believe the minister needs to place much greater emphasis on addressing underachievement," he said.