To ask the Minister of Education what guidance has been provided to (i) special schools; and (ii) all other schools to ensure clear face masks are used by teaching and other staff, including transport staff, to improve communication and reduce anxiety for children and young people.

The Education Authority Sensory Service has advised that individual discussions/assessments should take place in schools, in partnership with individual children with hearing impairments and their families, to consider the impact of any decision to use face coverings in the classroom and communal areas of the school.

The Education Authority Teachers of the Deaf are available to provide support in order to mitigate the risks to the learning and communication needs of deaf children and young people.

There has been no specific guidance issued in relation to the use of clear masks in Special Schools; ordinary schools nor in relation to transport staff.