Pupils in NI not to return to classroom until March 8

According to the BBC, Education Minister Peter Weir made the recommendation in a paper to be discussed by the executive today.

It may also be the case that only some year groups go back to school on 8 March, if a return then is possible.

Mr Weir is understood to have made the recommendation “reluctantly” due to the ongoing public health situation.

However, the proposal has still to be agreed by the executive when it meets.

If the new school arrangements are approved, they are likely to be reviewed by the executive on Thursday 18 February so that Mr Weir can give schools, pupils and parents at least two weeks’ notice before schools return.

It was originally planned that pupils could return to pre-school, primary and nursery schools following the half-term break in mid-February.

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