Call for more ‘clarity’ on reopening of schools next month

Schools are set to reopen from August 24 onwards, but social distancing measures mean many won’t be able to fully reopen with pupils returning for only part of the normal five-day school week.

Mr Weir said in the Assembly on Tuesday, however, that a return to “full-time” schooling is on course for September.

“I believe that we are on a trajectory to do that,” the minister said. “My hope would be that there could be proposals put to the Executive that would enable that to happen. That would still be my aim.”

He also said that, unlike in the Republic of Ireland where €375 million will be made available to support schools returning, there is no money in the education budget to help schools return.

In the meantime, schools and politicians have called for clarity.

His party colleague, DUP MP Carla Lockhart, has now joined in calls from both Sinn Fein and the SDLP for answers about the reopening.

“Uncertainty remains for some as to how schools will operate,” Ms Lockhart said.

“Will pupils be in all day, every day? Will school buses be running? If home-schooling remains, how is this going to be managed and monitored? How will children with a statement for special educational needs be supported? These are just some of the issues for which clarity is being sought.

“That is why I have met this week with the minister and urged him to issue further guidance as a matter of urgency. Parents, pupils and school staff need answers soon. I welcome the commitment given by the minister to bring this forward in the coming days, and his recognition that this is needed.”

Sinn Fein MLA Karen Mullan said: “It is vital that people have this information so they know they can return to school safely.”

SDLP MLA Justin McNulty said: “It is vital that the minister steps up engagement and provides this information so pupils, parents and teachers know they can return to school safely.”

The principal of Lisneal College in Londonderry, Michael Allen, has also warned that there could be “unnecessary panic” in schools during flu season.

“We could be facing panic, unnecessary panic perhaps, in cold and flu season when children and adults aren’t well,” Mr Allen told BBC Radio Foyle.

“We will not be in a position to determine who has a cold and who has Covid.”