AQW 32369/22-27 Written question to the Minister of Education
To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) the number of applications for special educational needs transport drivers and escorts processed, in each of the past three years; and (ii) the average time taken to complete compliance and Access NI checks for these positions.
Asked by Claire Sugden MLA on 30 September 2025
- Answered
- Written
- Tabled
- 30 September 2025
- Answer due by
- 15 October 2025
- Answered
- 15 October 202515 days after tabling
- Department
- Department of Education
- Priority question
- No
Answer
(i) The Education Authority (EA) has advised that all drivers and escorts providing home to school transport services for the EA are required to undertake an enhanced Access NI check. The EA is unable to differentiate those working solely with children who have special educational needs; however, it has provided information below on the total number of Access NI applications processed:
| Number of Access NI applications processed in respect of drivers and escorts providing home to school transport on behalf of the EA | ||||||||
| 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 (Jan to Sept) | |||||
| Employer | Driver | Escort | Driver | Escort | Driver | Escort | Driver | Escort |
| EA | 69 | 36 | 79 | 41 | 100 | 54 | 111 | 68 |
| Private Operators | 1,612 | 487 | 1,733 | 571 | 2,064 | 856 | 1,695 | 743 |
| Total | 1,681 | 523 | 1,812 | 612 | 2,164 | 910 | 1,806 | 811 |
| 2,204 | 2,424 | 3,074 | 2,617 | |||||
(ii) The EA has provided information below on the average time taken to process Access NI Enhanced Disclosure Checks:
| Average time taken to process Access NI Enhanced Disclosure Checks | ||
| EA | Private Operators | |
| Drivers | 6.5 days | 4.5 days |
| Escorts | 6 days | 5.5 days |