To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) who is responsible for assessing the effectiveness of COVID-19 mitigation strategies in schools; (ii) how the effectiveness of these measures is assessed; and (iii) his level of confidence of the rule compliance and mitigation strategies in force in schools.

The Department’s approach to planning for the re-opening of schools has been focussed on restricting opportunities for the virus to enter a school and limiting the risk of transmission.

To make sure that schools remain safe for our children, young people and staff, a number of risk mitigations have been put in place.

Principals and school staff have been working tirelessly implementing these measures to keep schools safe for pupils and, their efforts have ensured the level of transmission in schools remains low.

In regards to assessing the effectiveness of mitigations Education Inspectorate Team (ETI) have been working with the Minister and Department of Education, and has remained committed to supporting school staff, parents and pupils offering bespoke advice, guidance and assistance. This has allowed ETI to identify challenges and many examples of creative practice associated with remote learning during school closure.

The PHA is publishing weekly and monthly bulletins on the COVID-19 pandemic in Northern Ireland. This information includes information in relation to schools. The latest PHA stats indicate that up to the end of week 46 (ending 15 November 2020) 1,656 confirmed COVID-19 cases in pupils had been reported by schools to the PHA School Team. This equates to 0.48% of school aged children in Northern Ireland which would confirm the risk mitigations are working and school remains a safe place.

Each school has a dedicated link officer who work closely with schools to provide guidance on best practice.

I hope this provides you with the information you require.