NI schools 'left in limbo' over new term guidance
Last week it was announced that classroom bubbles are being scrapped
School leaders say they have been left in 'limbo' ahead of the new term in August, with no guidance released on how to open safely.
Most children are due to start school in a few weeks.
However, staff and teachers say they still haven't received information from the Department of Education about how to reopen during a pandemic.
Last week it was announced that classroom bubbles are being scrapped.
Although ministers said more information would follow, staff are still waiting.
Still waiting
The Principal of St Ronan's Primary School in Newry is calling for information and guidance to be released immediately to give them time to prepare.
Kevin Donaghy told Downtown & Cool FM news that he fears more school closures may be brought in as Covid cases continue to rise.
"I am hoping that the new school year brings lots of fun and happiness, where children can learn in as near normal a condition as possible. However, looking at the current covid rates in NI, probably not much will change. I'm hoping we don't have any more closures and work is going on to stop that.
"The Department (of Education) needs to invest funding in children's well-being so they become happy. When they're happy they learn.
"Hopefully we will be able to do more sports this term, but we are still waiting to hear what the Department has recommended."
Mr Donaghy say's they are waiting patiently on the new guidance, and how they are preparing for a surge in cases.
A Department of Education spokesperson said: “On 12 August the Executive ratified a range of relaxations to Covid related restrictions, some of which impact on the delivery of education and more widely on children and young people.
"Since that meeting Departmental officials have been working with key partners and stakeholders to finalise the revision of the current guidance, whilst taking account of the most up-to-date public health advice and the Executive’s decisions.
"The updated DE Guidance for Schools and Educational Settings in Northern Ireland will be published this week and school leaders and staff will be notified.”
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