Irish Daily Mirror

Outdoor class hope

This is one of the most beautiful places we have ever been to

- BY LOUISE WALSH

MATT DAMON 103.8 FULLY CHARGED YESTERDAY

AN expert who runs three “alfresco” classes for pre-schoolers said children could go to school outside.

Marie Daly believes it could be possible if there are adequate facilities in place.

She added: “Pre-schoolers put on their thermal and waterproof gear

Marie Daly applicants to show that the Covid-19 measures were disproport­ionate.

Justice Meenan said while there is “no doubt” that the restrictio­ns interfere with normal family life, they are not a breach of Article 41.

He added the claims are not arguable and the court cannot grant them permission to have their legal challenge heard in full at the High Court.

The judge sad: “The applicants have no medical or scientific expertise. They relied upon their own unsubstant­iated views, gave speeches, engaged in empty rhetoric and sought to draw a parallel with Nazi Germany – a parallel which is both absurd and offensive.

“Unsubstant­iated opinions, speeches, empty rhetoric and a bogus historical parallel are not substitute for facts.

“They do not have standing to challenge the amendments to the Mental Health Act.”

During the proceeding­s, there had been a significan­t garda presence around the Four Courts as supporters of the pair gathered.

A number held placards and the Tricolour, while many called for an end to the lockdown laws.

Road barriers were erected to prevent supporters from accessing the court.” and wellies and go outside into the garden in all weather.

“Pre-school is very much playbased learning. I’m not sure how older children could learn academical­ly in the pouring rain within a school setting, but it could be a template to work on and rolled out for all pre-school children.

“There are definitely advantages in outdoor learning for pre-schoolers, such as more room to socially distance and less surfaces, where the virus could stick to, to wipe down.

“Since operating outdoor schools from 2011, absenteeis­m is minimal as children’s immune systems have been built up and infection control is easier in an outside environmen­t.”

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