AQW 25623/22-27 Written question to the Minister of Education
To ask the Minister of Education whether the Education Information Solutions system will be operational for the start of the 2025-26 academic year.
Asked by Nick Mathison MLA on 4 April 2025
- Answered
- Written
- Tabled
- 4 April 2025
- Answer due by
- 23 April 2025
- Answered
- 14 April 202510 days after tabling
- Department
- Department of Education
- Priority question
- No
Answer
The EdIS Programme comprises a total of 33 discrete projects, many of which are at varying phases of development.
18 projects are complete, including Broadband and Wireless connectivity in all schools including statutory Nursery Schools for the first time. The Northern Ireland Supply Teacher Register, the admissions and appeals process, Special Educational Needs annual review, free school meals and uniform grants have all being digitised under this programme.
8 projects are currently in progress with a further 7 projects not yet started. From those projects in progress the Schools Management System (SMS) is currently in pre-pilot phase with implementation expected to begin in May 2025 and full implementation to be completed in August 2026. This will see a replacement to the current Schools Information Management Solution.
Continuity of services to schools during implementation will be provided by the incumbent managed services provider, Capita, under its existing contract i.e. Education Network Northern Ireland, which has been extended until 31 March 2027.