Students are back in class as normal by end of August

SCHOOLCHILDREN across

Northern Ireland are back to class full time from the end of August.

Education Minister Peter Weir said he wants every school, including special schools, back to “more normal patterns of operation and attendance” and teaching five days a week.

Revised guidance is due to be published next week setting out the plan for their full reopening.

It is thought this will advise strict social distancing between pupils and on school transport, but the minister said it also “acknowledges that in some circumstances this is not practical”.

Mr Weir said: “In those circumstances a range of key risk mitigations will be implemented.

“Protective bubbles will be used as a key measure in helping to limit the number of different interactions between groups.

“Enhanced hygiene and cleaning measures remain vital.”

The minister added schools will reopen for staff from next week and for key groups of pupils from August 24.

He said: “My key objective has always been for all pupils to return full-time to school as soon as possible, when it is safe to do so.

“One of my primary concerns is the long-term educational impact on children and young people as a result of the prolonged disruption of face-to-face teaching.”

While caution is still needed, the minister concluded: “Taking account of the scientific and medical evidence, it is now appropriate for all pupils to return to school during the week commencing August 31.”