To ask the Minister of Education what support or advice has been given to parents whose children had examinations cancelled due to the pandemic, and are now suffering from stress and anxiety as a result.

I appreciate the impact of cancellation of examinations on pupils and their families, due to the COVID 19 pandemic. The Alternative Awarding Arrangements announced for CCEA qualifications on 2 February 2021 were designed to ensure that pupils were not disadvantaged by the COVID-19 outbreak and to ensure clear progression pathways for all.

CCEA have ensured that information and support has been available through a dedicated examinations phone and Email helpline offering advice and guidance for parents and students who were expecting A-Level and GCSE results in summer 2021. The CCEA website also provided a dedicated Student and Parent area, with links to mental health and wellbeing resources. In developing these resources, CCEA engaged with a range of partners including the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People (NICCY), Parentkind and the Secondary Students Union of Northern Ireland (SSUNI). This area is updated with new information when required, shared with schools and promoted via CCEA social media channels.

A well-being and support guide was also produced for students and parents, in collaboration with the youth led charity ‘Pure Mental’. This focussed on supporting students to manage stress and anxiety in preparation for Summer 2021 Results Day.

The Independent Counselling Service for Schools has remained operational for post primary age pupils throughout the pandemic, and continues to be available for those young people who may benefit from this support.