To ask the Minister of Education whether schools are permitted, under the School Uniform Guidelines published in February 2026, to incorporate reflective or high-visibility elements into uniforms where they believe it would improve pupil safety.

Claire Sugden MLA

Parliament Buildings

Ballymiscaw

Stormont

26 March 2026

AQW 42174/22-27

Claire Sugden MLA has asked:

To ask the Minister of Education whether any consideration was given to pupil visibility and road safety when developing the School Uniform Guidelines, published in February 2026.

AQW 42176/22-27

And

To ask the Minister of Education whether schools are permitted, under the School Uniform Guidelines published in February 2026, to incorporate reflective or high-visibility elements into uniforms where they believe it would improve pupil safety.

ANSWER

The answer to both questions is yes. We can all agree that the safety of our children and young people is of paramount importance. The School Uniforms Guidelines, which formally issued on 23 February 2026, set out that the Department considers it reasonable for such safety considerations to inform the design of a school uniform policy. The guidelines use the example of reflective strips on uniform items, but it is open to schools to determine how best to manage this aspect of their uniform design - including any high-visibility or safety element a school considers will be helpful for their pupils.

Paul Givan MLA

Minister of Education