COVID-19: NI pupils out of lockdown and back to the classroom
Last updated 8th Mar 2021
Pupils across Northern Ireland were returning today (Monday) to school for the first time this year.
The first phase sees P1 to P3 pupils back in the classroom.
However, they are set to return to remote learning after two weeks.
First Minister Arlene Foster has expressed hope that those primary pupils will ultimately be able to remain in school.
The Stormont Executive is expected to discuss the issue further this week.
In the meantime, Downtown Radio & Cool FM spoke to Education Minister Peter Weir today and asked him when he wanted children to return.
He told us he would like this to happen before the Easter holidays.
On March 22, secondary school children in key exam years - years 12-14 - are to go back to class.
While no date has yet been announced for the wider return of all children to school, it is expected they will return as soon as possible after the Easter holidays.
Meanwhile, the children of key workers have been able to attend since the latest lockdown started in December but many have been engaged in learning from home.
The Stormont Executive published its Pathway to Recovery plan for exiting lockdown restrictions last week.
It sets out an emergence from lockdown in stages, described as lockdown, cautious first steps, gradual easing, further easing, and preparing for the future.
The blueprint does not include any target dates, with ministers instead insisting decisions on moving between stages will be based on scientific and medical evidence, not the calendar.
Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill has said ministers hope the process of exiting lockdown will be well advanced by June 10.
Teachers have welcomed the return.
“This is a day we’ve longed for and I know that most children will feel the same, though some are bound to be a little apprehensive given the trauma and upheaval they’ve faced in the last year,” said Jacquie White, General Secretary of the Ulster Teachers’ Union.
“Many schools have remained open throughout lockdown for the children of key workers and vulnerable children and our teachers have worked incredibly hard juggling the needs of these pupils with those who were being schooled at home.
“While there’s no doubt children learn better when they're in school, questions remain and we want reassurance from the Department of Education that it will ensure all risk assessments in schools are updated and control measures reinforced.
“The single most important thing is that this time we have a plan we can stick to, one around which our pupils can start re-building their childhoods.
Meanwhile, in England, schools and colleges are fully re-opening in the first major step of the government's roadmap out of lockdown.