To ask the Minister of Education to detail what support is in place to assist Boards of Governors of schools who become community schools.

In practice, many schools across Northern Ireland provide access to facilities or services for the wider community and can do so without formal designation as a ‘community school’ (provision for which exists under Article 139 of the Education Reform (Northern Ireland) Order 1989).

The Department recognises the benefits of ensuring schools have strong links to the communities that they serve. All schools are encouraged to engage with the wider community, and in line with Article 140 of the 1989 Order, schools are required to have regard to the desirability of their premises being made available for use by members of the community when not otherwise required for education purposes. Arrangements are made and agreed locally with decisions ultimately the responsibility of Boards of Governors.

According to the last set of data available from the DE School Omnibus Survey (2018), 80% of schools reported that they had some form of community use. Of those schools which confirmed that they allowed community use of their school premises, approximately 86% stated that the main reason was “community engagement”.

Detailed guidance has been available since 2014 to assist school leaders with a range of practical considerations associated with the community use of schools which is under review currently. Further related guidance is also available via the Governors’ Guide as well as advice and support from the relevant managing authority.