Phased return to the classroom begins this March
Pupils will go back to school in stages based on their year-group
Last updated 18th Feb 2021
A major Executive announcement on the staggered return to face-to-face learning has been made on the Hill of the O’Neill in Dungannon.
Tough lockdown measures will remain in place for society in NI until April 1, with minor changes only made to allow limited, contactless click-and-collect services, and there was also an increase of outdoor gathering limits, to ten people from two households.
But what changed today for school staff, pupils and parents?
Pre-school, nursery and primary school pupils in P1 to P3 will return to full-time face-to-face teaching.
They’ll revert to online learning from March 22 and get back to school after the Easter holidays.
Students in years 12 to 14, who will be awarded qualifications this summer will be next to return to school on March 22.
Education Minister Peter Weir said: “I have always sought to be guided by the prevailing public health advice and scientific evidence, while recognising the priority the Executive has placed on education, and all the benefits that brings, not just in the short term, but also for longer term societal and economic benefits.
“Today the Executive has agreed to a phased return focusing, in the first instance, on the early years in pre-school and primary school which are crucial for children’s development. Those year groups engaged in learning for key qualifications (i.e. years 12 to 14) must also be prioritised in our return planning. It is vital that they have every opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills required for progression to the next stage of education, employment or training.”
He continued: “The clear feedback from schools, unions, parents and pupils has been that once a decision is taken to return to school, there should be no further periods of wholesale remote learning. However, I recognise that it may be necessary in limited cases.
Department of Education officials will engage with practitioners and unions over the next week to discuss and prepare for the phased return.
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