AQW 12987/22-27
Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry
Tabled Date: 05/06/2024
Answered On Date: 19/06/2024
Priority Written: No
Question:
To ask the Minister of Education to detail the plans he has to work with the Department of Health to introduce improved information and support resources in schools to identify, inform and support those who may be suffering from, or may be vulnerable to developing, eating disorders.
Answer:
The Education Authority provides a range of services to support pupils needing help facing difficulties that are impacting on their ability to engage with education, including those with eating disorders. Supports are also available for pupils to access directly as part of the Emotional Health and Wellbeing Framework, such as the Text-a-Nurse service. Whilst schools ensure the safety of pupils at school and raise concerns as necessary it is important that information and resources on eating disorders are informed by the Department of Health (DoH) and Public Health Agency. My officials are working closely with DoH as it undertakes a review of the Healthy Child, Healthy Future Policy. A key element of the review is to take account of the social and emotional wellbeing of children including those vulnerable to eating disorders. The review document will provide guidance to School/Public Health Nurses in this respect as well as being a valuable resource available to schools. This provides the opportunity to enhance connections between education and health in supporting the needs of our children and young people through early intervention and prevention. Further to this, the curriculum requires schools to provide learning opportunities for pupils in relation to physical and emotional health as part of personal development across the key stages of education and gives schools flexibility to cover different aspects of this learning area.
|