To ask the Minister of Education to detail what (i) financial resources; (ii) access to support services; and (iii) guidance is available to schools to educate about sexual misconduct.

My department provides funding to a range of arms-length and non-departmental public bodies, including the Education Authority (EA) and Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA), to provide support and resources for schools in relation to child protection, safeguarding and the preventative curriculum. There are no financial resources dedicated specifically to the issue of sexual misconduct, as this sits within the wider context of safeguarding, child protection and the curriculum.

The EA’s Child Protection Support Service (CPSS) provides safeguarding support, advice and guidance and training, which includes harmful sexual behaviour, to education settings as well as to the EA Youth Service. The CPSS also operates a support helpline in relation to safeguarding concerns. Regional CPSS offices may also direct schools to relevant localised supports.

My department issues statutory guidance to schools and other educational settings to support them in safeguarding and protecting children and young people. Safeguarding and Child Protection in Schools - A Guide for Schools aims to assist the school Board of Governors and school staff in fulfilling their safeguarding and child protection responsibilities. This guidance includes information relating to harmful sexual behaviours and signposts other agencies and support services, including Gateway Services, Social Services and the PSNI.

Circular - 2022/02 - Children Who Display Harmful Sexual Behaviour provides specific guidance for schools and other educational settings about identification and management of harmful sexual behaviour displayed by children and young people, including supports in place as part of any Safety and Support Plans and Risk Assessment and Management Plans. This Circular also signposts appropriate support services and resources including the CPSS, Social Services, the Youth Justice Agency and PSNI.