Schools in Northern Ireland have been subject to risk assessments to ensure the safety of pupils travelling to and within school after recent racist disorder and attacks.
400 mothers from the Muslim Mothers Collective wrote to the Education Minister Paul Givan earlier this month expressing fears over the safety of their children as the new school term approached.
A response provided to the group by Mr Givan moved to reassure the concerned parents that steps were being taken by the department and in schools to ensure safety of the children.
“In response to recent events, my department and the EA Intercultural Education Service (IES) have worked with several school leaders and other partners to plan for the commencement of the new school term,” Mr Givan’s letter to Muslim Mothers Collective on Tuesday stated.
“At the forefront of the planning has been to review potential safety precautions and procedures to support pupils’ safe return.
“Schools will receive comprehensive guidance, advice and strategies from EA including assistance with translations for parents, carers and pupils.
“My department is involved with the ongoing assessment of the security of school sites with the EA carrying out risk assessments on a number of schools located close to recent unrest and protests as well as liaising with principals as appropriate to identify those schools that may be vulnerable dependent on location, school cohort) and nature of building. Where necessary, maintenance work will be prioritised as well as guidance provided on managing emergency incidents.”
The letter from Mr Givan also said the department, the Education Authority and the PSNI are working together to ensure the safety of students while travelling to school.
Muslim Mothers’ Collective letter to Mr Givan was sent on August 10, where the 400 parents said recent incidents of violence and Islamophobia in the north had “truly shocked” them.
“These incidents have profoundly impacted us, leaving many of us feeling unsafe,” it read.
“Those of us who are mothers now constantly worry about whether it is safe to go out with our children or if our homes still provide the security we once felt they did.
“Instead of enjoying the summer holidays, we find ourselves ‘lying low’ and carefully considering where we go to avoid endangering ourselves and our children.”
