AQW 48978/22-27

Mr Nick Mathison
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 18/06/2026
Answered On Date: 29/06/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) whether his Department has reviewed their safeguarding policy; and (ii) whether any changes are being considered, following recent cases involving sexual abuse of children by school staff.

Answer:

The Department of Education keeps its safeguarding guidance under regular review to ensure it remains robust and reflects best practice.

The department has completed a review of its safeguarding guidance for schools. This work has taken account of learning from recent cases and wider developments in safeguarding practice.

Updated guidance is currently being finalised and is scheduled for issue to schools in advance of the start of the September 2026 school year. The statutory duties and responsibilities on schools and employing authorities in respect of safeguarding and child protection remain unchanged.

The Department also continues to work closely with the Education Authority and the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS) to ensure that safer recruitment practices are consistently applied across the education system, including rigorous pre-employment checks and clear procedures for managing safeguarding concerns.

Safeguarding the welfare of children remains a paramount priority, and the department will continue to engage with key partners to strengthen arrangements where necessary.