AQW 32915/22-27

Mr Nick Mathison
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 07/10/2025
Answered On Date: 17/10/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education to detail the number of pupils living in families with homelessness status who have been supported by the Education Welfare Service, in each of the last three years to (i) access suitable test centres for exams; and (ii) apply for special circumstances or special provision.

Answer:

Neither my Department nor The Education Authority holds a record of pupils living in families with homelessness status who have been supported by the Education Welfare Service (EWS). Not all children and Young people experiencing homelessness divulge their living arrangements.

Any relevant information would likely be held by individual schools. If a pupil’s homelessness is identified, it may lead to a UNOCINI (Understanding the Needs of Children in Northern Ireland) referral or support through a Family Support Hub.

Schools are responsible for helping pupils access test centres and for submitting applications for special circumstances or special provision.