To ask the Minister of Education whether her Department provides specific funding for high-visibility clothing to schools to better protect children going to and from school.

My Department does not provide specific funding for high-visibility clothing to schools to better protect children going to and from school.

My Department has issued guidance to schools on school uniform policy which includes a section relating to travelling to school. It emphasises that the safety of children is paramount and highlights the difficulties caused by dark uniforms during the winter months, particularly on rural roads. It asks schools to take this into account when designing their uniform and consider using reflective materials and encourage the wearing of high visibility items.