To ask the Minister of Education to outline any work he has undertaken with the Minister for Communities to better align community and voluntary organisations supporting children and families in areas of disadvantage.

My officials continue to develop the RAISE Programme in collaboration with stakeholders in other government departments, including the Department for Communities. A Locality Reference Group has been established in each RAISE locality involving community and voluntary organisations, local government, schools and others with valuable roles to play in supporting children’s learning in the locality.

My officials are also represented on the NICS Collaboration Test and Learn Operational Steering Group led by the Department for Communities and The Executive Office.