This webpage provides an overview of the support and guidance available following recent disturbances, bringing together the latest updates, key resources, and practical information for schools, parents/carers and staff.
School Support
Continuity of Learning
We all agree maintaining the education of children and young people is a vital priority. In that context, while there may be further unverified social media claims about further planned protests in the coming days, a blanket decision regarding closures for the whole of NI would be neither practical nor proportionate. We will, of course, keep the situation under review. Individual school leaders should continue to closely monitor the situation in their local area, and the commuting pathway for staff and pupils, and react as necessary and appropriate. We acknowledge that some schools may have to take individual decisions - for example, based on local PSNI advice or other local circumstances.
School Improvement Professional (SIP)
Your dedicated EA School Improvement Professional can provide advice, support and guidance at this time in relation to any queries or concerns you may have.
EA Support Services
Youth Services
Youth Services are continuing to work on the ground in local communities to help young people stay safe. Our Youth Service centres will continue to remain open where it is safe to do so, offering young people a supportive and welcoming space during this time.
Intercultural Education Service
Our Intercultural Education Service provides in-school and at-home support with families, children and young people to help guide them through any issues they may be experiencing, including difficulties accessing school places, sustaining good attendance at school, and dealing with incidents of racism or unequal treatment. Interpreters are provided free of charge to help families discuss sensitive issues in confidence. Contact can be made through our Help Desk (028 9448 2210), or by email at ies@eani.org.uk A telephone interpreting call can be arranged to help ensure that a follow-up phone call or personal visit is arranged as soon as possible.
Addressing Bullying Type Behaviour
Our Addressing Bullying in Schools Implementation Team (ABSIT) has launched a series of resources to support schools, parents, children, and young people in addressing bullying-type behaviour in schools. A Racially Motivated Environmental Risk Reduction Action Plan (RRAP) has been previously shared with school principals. This resource is designed to support schools working with children and young people who have experienced, or may be displaying, racially motivated and socially unacceptable or bullying-type behaviours. For more information contact the ABSIT team at: ABSITeam@eani.org.uk
Pupil Wellbeing Support
A range of practical resources are available through our ‘The Little Book Series’ with two versions, one for children and one for young people. These materials are translated into a number of languages and include self-care strategies to support children and young people. Staff may find these materials helpful in supporting conversations with pupils, demonstrating practical self-care approaches, and sharing guidance with parents where appropriate. To access them, visit The Little Book Series.
Other helpful resources include:
Staff Wellbeing Support
If you or your staff feel anxious or have a work safety concern linked to the recent public disorder, please get in touch with your school’s pastoral care lead or the EA Health, Wellbeing and Attendance team.
EA support is available via the EA AskHR Helpdesk on 028 9047 0555 or by email at Healthandwellbeing@eani.org.uk. The helpdesk is open Monday to Thursday, 8.30am to 5.00pm, and Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm. Free, confidential counselling support is also available through our Employee Assistance Programme.
Keeping Yourself Safe
In light of the recent disturbances, you are advised to take the following sensible precautions:
- Avoid areas where protests are expected.
- If you feel under threat, or in the case of an emergency, please call the PSNI on 999. For non-emergencies, call 101. Visit the PSNI website for further information.
- When travelling, check local government, news websites, social media and travel information channels such as TrafficWatchNI.
Reporting a Hate Crime
For further information on reporting a hate crime, or to access further support, please visit the following links: