AQW 37927/22-27

Mr Andrew McMurray
Alliance Party
South Down

Tabled Date: 09/01/2026
Answered On Date: 14/01/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education to detail which body currently holds responsibility for coordinating support for a vulnerable young person unable to attend education settings due to mental health and trauma-related needs.

Answer:

Article 86(1) of the Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 places a statutory duty on the Education Authority to make arrangements for the provision of suitable education at school or otherwise than at school for those children of compulsory school age who by reason of illness, expulsion from school or otherwise, may not for any period receive suitable education unless such arrangements are made for them.