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Schools in Northern Ireland will deliver remote learning in the first week of the new term after a return to classrooms was delayed due to spiraling Covid-19 infection rates.<\/p>\nSchools in Northern Ireland will deliver remote learning in the first week of the new term after a return to classrooms was delayed due to spiraling Covid-19 infection rates.<\/p>\n
The announcement by Education Minister Peter Weir will affect both primary and secondary schools.<\/p>\n
For secondary school Years 8 to 11, remote learning will continue throughout January.<\/p>\n
Schools will open next week to accommodate vulnerable children and those of key workers.<\/p>\n
Childcare settings, including those attached to schools, pre-school facilities, nurseries and special schools, will also open as usual next week.<\/p>\n
Mr Weir had been facing mounting pressure to delay the return to school after the Christmas holidays due to the worsening infection rates in Northern Ireland.<\/p>\n
On Wednesday, the region reported a record 2,143 cases in a 24-hour period.<\/p>\n
Prior to Mr Weir\u2019s announcement, the Stormont Assembly had already been recalled for a hearing on Thursday to discuss school reopening issue.<\/p>\n
Mr Weir said exams due in January would take place compliant with public health advice.<\/p>\n
He said schools would have flexibility to deliver face-to-face learning for pupils due to sit those exams if they wished.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Department of Education, the Department of Health, the Education Authority and the Public Health Agency have worked closely throughout the pandemic to maintain the education of children, to reduce the risk of outbreaks and to respond when these occur,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis work has continued in recent weeks and the proposed way forward has been informed by the evidence and the advice provided.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe common aim has been to keep schools safe, prioritize children\u2019s education and ensure any impact on overall transmission is as low as possible, while accepting that schools reopening as normal is not sustainable.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Weir continued: \u201cWhile previous arrangements have been informed by the advice of the Department of Health, unfortunately the deteriorating nature of the epidemic and the risks to public health has necessitated more substantial changes.<\/p>\n
\u201cTherefore, having considered the advice from the chief medical officer (Dr Michael McBride) and the chief scientific adviser (Professor Ian Young), and following discussions with them, I have decided that all primary and post-primary pupils will be taught remotely for the first week of term. Special schools and childcare provision will, however, remain open.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll schools must provide supervised learning for vulnerable children and key workers\u2019 children.<\/p>\n
\u201cI must stress that these decisions are not made lightly as I know the negative impact on children\u2019s learning and mental health and wellbeing of not being in school.<\/p>\n
\u201cHowever, particularly after unprecedented levels of positive Covid-19 tests since Christmas, and the pressure this applies to our health service, it is critical that we all must consider the public health and scientific advice as we look forward to brighter days ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n