I congratulate Carnlough Controlled Integrated Primary School, which, last Friday, was awarded the excellence in integrated education award (EIEA). That small rural school on the east Antrim coast transformed to integrated status in 2001, the first to do so in the millennium. Since then, for more than 20 years, it has been a leading light in the field of integrated education in the area. The school provides education for children between the ages of four and 11 from all faith or no faith backgrounds, and it is committed to providing the highest standard of education for every pupil. The staff and pupils celebrated winning the award by putting on a fantastic performance in the local library of the Dr Seuss classic 'The Butter Battle Book' and having a day of play at the school. The principal, Miss Claire Mulholland, and her staff and governors are absolutely committed to the holistic development of each child in their school. They are very proud of their integrated status and live out every day the values for which integration stands.

According to the Integrated Education Fund (IEF):

"integration symbolises the new Northern Ireland where the community works side by side for the benefit of all."

In assessing the school for the award, the Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education (NICIE) stated:

"Carnlough Controlled Integrated Primary School is an excellent example of an integrated primary school in action. Its ethos is strong and is visible in all areas of school life. The role of the school in the village and community is notable. All staff, pupils and parents shared a pride in their school. The leadership of the principal is integral to the positive relationships and a warm, inclusive environment for the children and adults alike."

There is a specific pledge in the Good Friday Agreement:

"to facilitate and encourage integrated education" as an essential part of creating:

"a culture of tolerance at every level of society".

The teachers, children, parents and governors of Carnlough Controlled Integrated Primary School are a fantastic example of integration, providing direction for the future development of integrated education in the area and across Northern Ireland.