NI schoolchildren will start to return on March 8 and March 22 - here's everything you need to know

Pre-school and nursery children and pupils from primary one to primary three will return to the classroom for face-to-face learning on March 8.

It will be the first time many of these children will have enjoyed face-to-face teaching since schools closed before Christmas.

Pupils in years 12, 13 and 14 will return to full time face-to-face teaching on March 22.

Pre-school and nursery children and pupils from primary one to primary three will revert to remote learning for the week beginning March 22 (week before the Easter holidays).

Education Minister Peter Weir said it was "vital" that young people working towards assessments be given every safe chance to get back into the classroom.

“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," said Minister Weir.

“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," added Minister Weir.

Speaking at a Covid-19 media briefing on Thursday afternoon, Finance Minister, Conor Murphy, said it was the Executive's hope that all schools would return to classrooms following the Easter holidays in April.

The NI Executive will meet again on March 18 to review the current lockdown and to provide direction to the public for they will be able celebrate Easter.

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