Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister of Education to detail any steps he is taking to ensure safeguarding standards are applied consistently across all types of schools.
Minister of Education: I am clear that consistently high standards of safeguarding must be upheld in every school, irrespective of sector or management arrangements.
The Department of Education’s statutory guidance, Safeguarding and Child Protection in Schools, applies to all grant-aided schools and sets out, in unequivocal terms, the responsibilities of Boards of Governors, principals and designated teachers.
While Independent schools are not subject to the same requirements as grant aided schools they must, as a minimum, comply with overarching legislation designed to safeguard the welfare of children and young people.
My officials continue to work in close partnership with the Education Authority’s Child Protection Support Service, CCMS and other sectoral bodies to ensure that schools are supported through high-quality training, advice and practical assistance aligned to this guidance. Safeguarding arrangements within schools are also reviewed through the Education and Training Inspectorate’s improvement‑focused inspection framework, supporting schools in strengthening their practice.
The Department is currently taking forward a refresh of its safeguarding guidance, with the aim of providing greater clarity, improving accessibility and supporting schools to meet the minimum standards expected across all settings.
ENDS
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