To ask the Minister of Education to detail what actions the Addressing Bullying in Schools Implementation Team are taking to support schools with anti-bullying measures.

The Addressing Bullying in Schools Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 came into effect in September 2021. The Addressing Bullying in Schools Implementation Team (ABSIT) within the Education Authority was established in September 2022 and provides support for schools, educational settings, young people and parents to help them understand the requirements of the Act. ABSIT has a focus on preventative education to embed cultures that eradicate bullying. The team also provides children, young people and parents/carers, with support to deal with specific incidents of bullying.

In the last academic year September 2023 – August 2024, actions taken by ABSIT to support schools to address bullying type behaviour included:

Responding to 289 referrals from parents, advocates, school and other sources. These referrals include tailored support and training for schools.

Facilitating 9188 education setting individuals to complete the ABSIT Online Foundational Training which launched in January 2024.

Co-developing, with 146 schools, the ABSIT School Leadership Training Programme. This is a comprehensive professional development programme for Safeguarding, Social, Behavioural and Emotional Wellbeing (SBEW) pastoral leads and SENCOs/Learning Support Coordinators in schools.

Producing Addressing Bullying in School Resources that included: Environmental Risk Reduction and Action Plan template; Bullying Concern Assessment Form; Addressing Bullying Behaviour Policy template; Addressing Bullying Behaviour Processes Flow Chart; and a Policy Checklist.

Creating Rights Based Information and Guidance Leaflets which are available to children, young people and parents/carers with translations in multiple languages.