Where cash will go to get schools up and running again
EDUCATION Minister Norma Foley has revealed the full details of the Government’s blueprint for reopening schools this autumn. This complete list of measures will now be implemented in primary and secondary schools in a bid to minimise the spread of the coronavirus. The plans include extra funding for staff, clear guidance and new supports for schools, with funding for the measures totalling close to €400million. Here are the main points from the plans:
€53M MORE SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS
More than 1,000 additional teaching posts will be created at secondary level to give schools more flexibility and to allow them to deal with difficulties posed by class sizes and social distancing. These posts will be allocated based on school type to reflect enrolments and the provision of special education.
€40M INCREASE IN SECONDARY SUPERVISION
Supervision in post-primary level is to become more complicated due to Covid-19 and the complexities of timetables. Therefore, additional supervision will be needed on corridors, at lockers, bathrooms, etc.
€41.2M MORE PRIMARY SUBSTITUTE STAFF
This will provide more certainty to schools regarding the availability of substitutes for primary schools and will cover staff members who are displaying symptoms and cannot come to work in the school, in line with public health advice.
€70M REPLACING TEACHERS WHO ARE AT ‘VERY HIGH RISK OF COVID-19’
This will allow schools to replace teachers who have been assessed as being unable to return to the workplace due to a high risk of contracting the virus. These staff members can work from home in line with civil and public service protocol.
€11.3M SAFER SCHOOL TRANSPORT
This will cover any additional costs that will arise regarding pupils’ use of school transport.
€75M CLASSROOM PREPARATION
This funding will allow schools to carry out preparatory works to facilitate reopening, such as the refurbishment of toilets and the reconfiguration of school spaces.
€52.2M ENHANCED CLEANING REGIMES
This will allow all schools to put enhanced cleaning regimes in place to minimise the risk of Covid-19 entering the school community and spreading. This funding will be provided on a per-pupil basis and aims to allow an additional four to six hours of cleaning per day in schools.