AQW 48979/22-27

Mr Nick Mathison
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 18/06/2026
Answered On Date: 07/07/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education to detail how balance is determined between the need for confidentiality in ongoing safeguarding investigations when a member of staff has been arrested for sexual abuse crimes against children, and parents’ right to be informed of risks affecting their children.

Answer:

Where a school is advised that a member of staff has been arrested in connection with alleged child sexual abuse, school leaders must act in line with statutory safeguarding guidance.

Decisions regarding confidentiality and any communication with parents are led by the investigating agencies, namely the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the relevant Health and Social Care Trust Gateway Service, to avoid compromising ongoing investigations while ensuring children are safeguarded.

The Education Authority’s Child Protection Support Service (CPSS) is available to provide advice and support to schools in managing these situations.