Planning under way for schools to reopen in September

DETAILED planning for the reopening of schools in September is under way, with separate discussions covering the primary and post-primary sectors.

Department of Education officials are engaging with representatives of bodies including teaching unions, principals and school managers to tease out the logistics of a safe return to the classroom for pupils and teachers.

Talks are intensifying as new research highlights how the lack of social connection forced by the education shutdown is the main problem for primary pupils who are “exhibiting signs of increased anxiety and poor mental health the longer they are kept out of school”.

The study, which was carried out by Dr Majella Dempsey and Dr Jolanta Burke, of Maynooth University, showed particular concern among, and for, sixth class pupils who will be transitioning to second level having missed the final months of primary, including their ‘graduation’.

More than 900 primary principals were surveyed for the second ‘Covid-19 Practice in Primary Schools in Ireland’ report, a follow-up to research conducted at the end of March.

Guidance for principals on the logistics of reopening also emerged as a priority in the survey and there is pressure on the department to produce this before the end of June.

Social distancing will be a key constraint, with pupils facing the prospect of returning on a phased and part-time basis. A relaxation in the current two metre distancing rule would make a difference, but even if it was reduced to one metre, schools would still face major logistical challenges.

At a meeting yesterday of the sub-group of primary education stakeholders, department officials confirmed their deliberations would take on board experiences in other countries.

Speaking after the meeting, Irish National Teachers’ Organisation general secretary John Boyle said it was working to “ensure that when our schools reopen, we can be confident that pupils and teachers will return to an environment where every precaution is taken to ensure their safety”.