To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 21519/22-27, to detail the processes in place to ensure (i) that child safeguarding risk assessments are carried out when a classroom assistant is engaged by a school without a completed Access NI check; and (ii) these staff are supervised at all times.

School leaders are responsible for safeguarding within their school and are required to comply with DE Circular 2024/10 – Pre-Employment/Access NI Check Requirements and Safer Recruitment Practices for Staff and Volunteers Working in or Providing a Service for Schools/Educational Settings.

The Circular states that where non-vetted staff are used to provide emergency cover, school leaders/managers must carry out a risk assessment and ensure that non-vetted staff are supervised by someone who is vetted to work in regulated activity. They must also take all necessary steps to ensure the safeguarding and protection of children.

Where an Access NI check is outstanding as a result of the school/staff member not submitting the required documentation, the Education Authority (EA) engages with the school principal to remind them of the need to have this completed.

I recently asked the EA Chief Executive to urgently review the Access NI process within schools and the EA. As a result, I have been assured that the EA is taking robust action to ensure that the issue of outstanding checks is addressed.