AQW 32369/22-27


Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry


Tabled Date: 30/09/2025
Answered On Date: 15/10/2025
Priority Written: No


Question:
To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) the number of applications for special educational needs transport drivers and escorts processed, in each of the past three years; and (ii) the average time taken to complete compliance and Access NI checks for these positions.


Answer:
(i) The Education Authority (EA) has advised that all drivers and escorts providing home to school transport services for the EA are required to undertake an enhanced Access NI check. The EA is unable to differentiate those working solely with children who have special educational needs; however, it has provided information below on the total number of Access NI applications processed:
Number of Access NI applications processed in respect of drivers and escorts providing home to school transport on behalf of the EA
 
2022
2023
2024
2025
(Jan to Sept)
Employer
Driver
Escort
Driver
Escort
Driver
Escort
Driver
Escort
EA
69
36
79
41
100
54
111
68
Private Operators
1,612
487
1,733
571
2,064
856
1,695
743
Total
1,681
523
1,812
612
2,164
910
1,806
811
2,204
2,424
3,074
2,617
(ii) The EA has provided information below on the average time taken to process Access NI Enhanced Disclosure Checks:
Average time taken to process Access NI Enhanced Disclosure Checks
 
EA
Private Operators
Drivers
6.5 days
4.5 days
Escorts
6 days
5.5 days