To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 24278/17-22, to detail any considerations she has given to providing specific funding to schools for high visibility or reflective items in order to improve pupils’ safety as they travel to and from school.

As set out in my response to AQW 24278/17-22, while schools’ uniform policies are a matter for the schools themselves, my Department has issued guidance 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 to consider using reflective materials and encourage the wearing of high visibility items. I have not therefore given any further consideration to providing specific funding to schools for high visibility or reflective items.