Arlene McPhillips

📣 Update on Disturbances EA is grateful to all schools and youth organisations for their support to children and young people at this time. We are all agreed maintaining the education of children and young people is a vital priority. In that context, while we are aware of unverified social media claims about further planned protests today, a blanket decision regarding closures for the whole of NI would be neither practical nor proportionate. 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 PSNI advice or local circumstances. We will continue to keep you updated.

Looking for a new job? The Education Authority will be at the upcoming Belfast Job Fair. Come along and see us on Wednesday 24 June 2026 in St. George’s Market, from 11am to 2pm.

📣 Further Advice on Storm Bram 📣 All schools are advised to keep pupils indoors throughout the day and, if practical, to cancel after school activities. They should also be flexible on school leaving times, for example allowing older siblings to go home early when younger brothers or sisters are leaving to avoid multiple journeys for parents. Parents should be aware of the potential for disruption to school transport this afternoon, as it is possible that school transport services may be cancelled at short notice due to deteriorating conditions. Accordingly, parents should endeavour to make contingency plans in case they have to collect their children from school. The situation is being kept under review centrally by the Education Authority and Department of Education. Liaison is ongoing with other public authorities under established civil contingency arrangements. Information on the Met Office weather warnings and the areas covered is available here: ow.ly/zuqk50XGbSR Schools situated in or close the amber warning zone should be mindful of the risks of high winds, power outages, damage to buildings, and significant disruption to transport services.