To ask the Minister of Education to detail any guidance provided to schools by either the Department or the Education Authority following Storm Éowyn in relation to how they can support pupils experiencing power cuts or loss of water supply at home.

EA's strategic priority following Storm Eowyn has been supporting schools for re-opening to ensure continuity of learning and a safe environment for children in their schools. This in turn provides a warm and safe education setting for children and young people.

Direction was provided on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th January to all schools on a number of issues including EA's emergency response, maintenance, continuation of catering services and remote learning.

Direction was also provided to school principals via a live Teams call on Sunday 26th January; if a child presents to school without lunch they are to be fed and where additional costs are incurred EA would reimburse them.

EA have contacted all schools with guidance and continue to support schools where issues persist.

EA maintained a range of helplines over Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th January and into the following week providing guidance on a number of issues including Maintenance, SEN, Safeguarding.

EA's School Improvement Professionals provide a direct conduit between EA and their cohort schools providing ongoing information and guidance.

EA and schools have existing wrap around services already in place to help and support children during difficult situations. These include Pastoral Care, Safeguarding and Remote Learning Policies.

These are delivered at a local level via highly trained professionals in Principals and teachers who experience similar occurrences on a business-as-usual basis and are managed at a school level. These will continue to be managed at that level.

Schools are best placed to consider any necessary support to their pupils experiencing challenges due to a loss of power at home which may include additional flexibility, for example, around homework or uniform policies. Local councils continue to offer facilities for the community in respect of showers, recreational areas and access to electric supplies to charge devices.