AQW 12383/22-27 Written question to the Minister of Education

To ask the Minister of Education why statutory nursery schools are unable to access Education Authority bus services.

Asked by Connie Egan MLA on 22 May 2024

  • Answered
  • Written
Tabled
22 May 2024
Answer due by
7 June 2024
Answered
3 June 202412 days after tabling
Department
Department of Education
Priority question
No

Answer

The Education Authority (EA) is required to provide transport assistance to eligible pupils at grant aided schools under Article 52 (in conjunction with Article 44) of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 (as substituted), in accordance with arrangements approved by the Department of Education (DE).

Eligibility for transport assistance is determined by the EA in line with the policy arrangements set out in the DE Circular 1996/41. Under this policy, pupils below compulsory school age, including those in reception classes, are not eligible for assistance with transport.

Official sources