To ask the Minister of Education to detail any additional support being made available to schools supporting children who have witnessed and faced violence associated with the recent public disorder.

The Education Authority (EA) issued guidance (11 June) to all schools outlining the support available to them through EA services and the wider network of statutory agencies.

The guidance also outlined a number of practical resources that are available to the schools via the EA Pupil Wellbeing Service, for example, ‘The Little Book Series’ which have been translated into several languages and include self-care strategies to support children and young people.

The EA Intercultural Education Service is also available to provide direct support for children and their families, with access to 1-2-1 support at home, where required, and offers translation services.

The EA Addressing Bullying in Schools Implementation Team (ABSIT) provides a number of resources to schools to address bullying-type behaviour, including a Racially Motivated Environmental Risk Reduction Action Plan (RRAP). The RRAP 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.

My officials and the EA officers will continue to work with schools, families and partners to support those affected and help ensure that children and young people can learn in a safe and welcoming environment.