To ask the Minister of Education (i) for her assessment of the levels of trauma among school pupils; and (ii) to detail her long-term plans for addressing this.

The 2020 Northern Ireland Youth Wellbeing Prevalence Survey indicates that of the 3,000 children and young people involved in the survey, around one in two aged 11-19 years have experienced at least one Adverse Childhood Experience, and just under 6% have experienced three or more. Primary school principals are also reporting more complex concerns presenting in younger pupils.

I am aware that such experiences during childhood and adolesence can create trauma and, dependent on the prevalence of the experiences encountered and individual resilience, increases risks of negative impacts on health and wellbeing throughout the life-course.

I recently launched the Education Sector Trauma Informed Practice Level One training programme to develop awareness of trauma and its potential impact on children and young people, encouraging staff to use a trauma sensitive lens when working with pupils. Level two training will also be made available to School Leaders and Pastoral care staff to further enhance and support awareness of trauma.

This will complement the range of programmes to be implemented through the Children and Young People’s Emotional Health and Wellbeing in Education Framework which will involve Education and Health working collaboratively to support schools and their pupils, promoting mental health and wellbeing and providing early or enhanced support when needed.

Programmes include an extension of the Attach Project which provides specific support for Children Looked After, founded on a trauma and attachment informed approach, the Education Authority Youth Service REACH programme (Resilience in Education Assisting Change to Happen), and a new Text A Nurse service. I have also recently introduced a pilot counselling and therapeutic support programme, Healthy Happy Minds, for all primary school age children.

The Framework Implementation Plan is subject to ongoing monitoring, evaluation and review to ensure it is providing effective support to those most in need.