No face coverings required in NI schools post-lockdown

By Mark Rainey
Published 13th Aug 2020, 14:36 BST
Schools in Northern Ireland were closed in March as the scale of the Covid-19 pandemic became apparent. The first pupils are due back on August 24Schools in Northern Ireland were closed in March as the scale of the Covid-19 pandemic became apparent. The first pupils are due back on August 24
Schools in Northern Ireland were closed in March as the scale of the Covid-19 pandemic became apparent. The first pupils are due back on August 24
Face coverings will not be a general requirement for pupils returning to school following the coronavirus lockdown, according to new NI Department of Education guidance issued to schools.

The 70-page ‘New School Day’ document also sets out a number of practical measures schools will expected to have in place for the arrival of the first intake of pupils on August 24 – including a method of preventing pupils congregating in canteens or assembly halls.

Teaching staff have also been informed that pupils should have at least two hours of physical education lessons each week, and that the “resumption of sporting activities outside schools” is now permitted.

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On the issue of face coverings, the guidance states: “Given the risk mitigations in place in schools to limit and contain the spread of Covid-19, face coverings are not generally recommended for routine use in schools. Staff and pupils may wish to use them during the routine school day and this is acceptable.”

It goes on to say: “Pupils who live with someone who is clinically vulnerable (but not clinically extremely vulnerable), including those who are pregnant, can attend their education or childcare setting.”

The stated aims of the guidance include providing clarity “with regard to practical approaches for a safe reopening of schools” and, in doing so, promote consistency of approach across Northern Ireland, whilst ensuring appropriate local flexibility for education settings...and seek to maximise the safety of staff, children, young people and their families”.

Schools have also been advised to assess whether their pupil behaviour policy needs to be updated to cover Covid-19 related incidents – including exclusion powers for those “wilfully refuse” to protect others.

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“Schools...should make provision for the school to be able to sanction, up to and including exclusion, pupils who wilfully refuse to adhere to arrangements of social distancing and deliberately cough or spit at pupils or staff, putting them at risk,” the document states.

Parents have been urged not to send children to school if they are displaying any symptoms of Covid-19.

Launching the new guidance, Education Minister Peter Weir said: “My strategic objective has always been for the full-time resumption of classroom-based learning for all pupils as soon as possible, and when appropriate to do so.

“I have at all times recognised the stresses felt by teachers, parents and pupils due to the ongoing disruption and uncertainty regarding the future. This guidance will remain agile and will continue to reflect public health advice. We will continue to keep under review all medical and scientific developments.”

Meal services will not be available when schools re-open for priority year groups on August 24, but will resume from September 1 onwards.

Related topics:Peter WeirDepartment of EducationCovid-19Parents