AQW 34170/22-27
Mrs Michelle Guy
Alliance Party
Lagan Valley
Tabled Date: 22/10/2025
Answered On Date: 27/10/2025
Priority Written: No
Question:
To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 33227/22-27, to detail (i) whether his Department holds information on what is required to be reported as an assault; and (ii) any actions his Department is taking to support staff, and students, given the increase in reported assaults.
Answer:
In relation to what is required to be reported as an assault my department is aware of what is required to be reported as an assault. My department adheres to the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland’s (HSENI’s) definition of work related violence is “Any incident in which a person is abused, threatened or assaulted in circumstances relating to their work”. Through the Teachers’ Negotiating Committee (TNC) a Policy Statement on Tackling Violence and Abuse Behaviour Against Teachers, TNC 2011/2 has been agreed and this policy explains the responsibilities of Employing Authorities, Boards of Governors, Principals and Teachers regarding assaults and reporting requirements. We work closely with all the education employers to ensure that all incidents of physical assaults are recorded and managed effectively. There is an obligation on all schools, to report incidents where either a staff member or pupil is physically assaulted resulting in injury. Incidents where there is no injury are recorded and managed within each school. In relation to supporting staff and students, my department has already responded to a previous question from the member (AQW 32023/22-27 refers) detailing a Violence at Work Policy that the Education Authority has developed, along with associated guidance documents, designed to minimise risk from aggressive or violent behaviour and to ensure the prevention, reduction and management of violence and aggression towards staff in the workplace. They also provide a framework for good practice including the steps to take and the support available to victims in an educational setting that have been subjected to an assault. This Policy has been finalised, and discussions are currently underway with all education sectors and trade unions regarding its rollout and implementation. Boards of Governors of grant-aided schools have statutory duties under Articles 17 and 18 of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 to promote and safeguard the welfare of all their pupils, including keeping them safe from harm when required. While the department is not involved in individual school arrangements, we work with the Education Authority Child Protection Support Service (CPSS) who engage with schools where a concern has been raised in order to ensure guidance is being followed and to seek wider assurance. Any form of assault may constitute a criminal matter and need to be referred to the PSNI. All educational settings should put in place a Safety and Support Plan which considers the physical and emotional safety of any child who has allegedly been harmed. The child, parents/carers, school staff, Social Services, the PSNI and external support agencies should be included in the development of the Safety and Support Plan.
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