![\"\"](\"http:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/2.55269243.jpg\")
The first children to return to school since December will re-enter classrooms across Northern Ireland later.<\/p>\nThe first children to return to school since December will re-enter classrooms across Northern Ireland later.<\/p>\n
P1 to P3 pupils will return to class but are set to go back to remote learning after two weeks.<\/p>\n
First Minister Arlene Foster has expressed hope that those primary pupils will ultimately be able to remain in school.<\/p>\n
The Stormont Executive is expected to discuss the issue further this week.<\/p>\n
On March 22nd, secondary school children in key exam years \u2013 years 12-14 \u2013 are to go back to class.<\/p>\n
No date has yet been announced for the wider return of all children to school.<\/p>\n
The children of key workers have been able to attend since the latest lockdown started in December but many have been engaged in learning from home.<\/p>\n
The Stormont Executive published its Pathway to Recovery plan for exiting lockdown restrictions last week.<\/p>\n
It sets out an emergence from lockdown in stages, described as lockdown, cautious first steps, gradual easing, further easing, and preparing for the future.<\/p>\n
The blueprint does not include any target dates, with ministers instead insisting decisions on moving between stages will be based on scientific and medical evidence, not the calendar.<\/p>\n
Deputy First Minister Michelle O\u2019Neill has said ministers hope the process of exiting lockdown will be well advanced by June 10th.<\/p>\n