Considerable progress’ towards safe return of schools

CETB – ‘

THE chief executive of the Cork Education and Training Board CETB , Denis Leamy, has reassured the public that plans to reopen its schools and colleges across the county this month are well on track.

Mr Leamy was speaking following the second in a socially distant series of meetings between the board’s executive and principals, aimed at charting progress made on introducing protocols for the safe return of thousands of students and staff members to schools. At the first meeting two weeks ago, it was outlined how schools would be using gymnasiums to hold classes, making physical alterations to classes and erecting screens to ensure people adhere with social-distancing protocols. These are in addition to a range of other measures including the installation of hand-sanitising stations, and signage informing students of their obligations.

Building upon previous progress, this week’s meeting considered further updates and guidelines issued by the Department of Education and Skills last Friday.

Announcing the measures, Education Minister Norma Foley, pointed out that €160million had been already been allocated to schools in direct funding to cover minor works, employing support to assist with re-opening and cleaning and PPE-related costs.

They are all elements of the Government’s ‘Roadmap for the Full Return to School’, which sets out how schools will reopen and how they will operate and remain sustainable within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking after the meeting at the Maria Immaculata Community College in Dunmanway, Mr Leamy said the board was satisfied that “considerable progress” had been made towards the safe reopening of all of the CETB’s education centres.

“These meetings are held to ensure our principals get the support and guidance they need and allow for communication across CETB schools and colleges where principals can share their concerns and collaborate with their peers to find solutions where needed,” said Mr Leamy.

“Grant funding and additional resources have been issued from the Department of Education to ensure that students can return to education on time as planned. Cork ETB will continue to follow public health advice at all times and will engage with all stakeholders throughout this process,” he added.