AQW 48398/22-27
Mr Pat Sheehan
Sinn Féin
West Belfast
Tabled Date: 10/06/2026
Answered On Date: 19/06/2026
Priority Written: No
Question:
To ask the Minister of Education to detail any interventions he plans to implement where children and young people are reluctant to attend school as a result of recent public disorder and racially motivated violence.
Answer:
The Education Authority (EA) activated its emergency arrangements in response to the social unrest to support schools with continuity of learning and multi-agency structures. EA are embedded with the multi-agency structures to represent education and youth services in the promotion of community confidence for those families reluctant to attend school. EA are actively engaging with school leaders to understand the scale of absenteeism within impacted communities which in turn allows for direct interventions from an education and wider societal response through multi-agency colleagues. EA specific measures to support pupils and schools in the continuity of learning are as follows: - School Improvement Professionals (SIP) provided dedicated professional advice, support and guidance in relation to any queries or concerns from schools. They provide a vital communication pathway between schools and EA. Pupil Wellbeing service are providing a range of practical resources through ‘The Little Book Series’ with two versions, one for children and one for young people. These materials are translated into a number of languages and include self-care strategies to support children and young people. These materials are helpful in supporting conversations with pupils, demonstrating practical self-care approaches, and sharing guidance with parents where appropriate. EA Intercultural Education Service have been providing in-school and at-home support with families, children and young people to help guide them through any issues they may be experiencing, including difficulties accessing school places, sustaining good attendance at school, and dealing with incidents of racism or unequal treatment. Interpreters are provided free of charge to help families discuss sensitive issues in confidence. A telephone interpreting call can be arranged to help ensure that a follow-up phone call or personal visit is arranged as soon as possible. EA Addressing Bullying in Schools Implementation Team (ABSIT) has launched a series of resources to support schools, parents, children, and young people in addressing bullying-type behaviour in schools. A Racially Motivated Environmental Risk Reduction Action Plan (RRAP) has been previously shared with school principals. This resource is designed to support schools working with children and young people who have experienced, or may be displaying, racially motivated and socially unacceptable or bullying-type behaviours. EA Youth Services are continuing to work on the ground in local communities and PSNI to help young people stay safe. Our Youth Service centres will continue to remain open where it is safe to do so, offering young people a supportive and welcoming space at this time.
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