Reopening schools: What’s in the plan and how will it work?

Pupils will not be required to wear face masks in class under public health guidelines to be issued to schools this week, it is understood.

Minister for Education Norma Foley is due to seek approval at Cabinet for a financial package in excess of €350 million aimed at fully opening all schools on a full-time basis from late August.Facemasks not essential for staff or students.Additional guidance counsellors and psychologists to help student well being.The package is understood to include hundreds of additional teachers and alterations to classrooms, along with administrative supports for principals.

The reopening guidance to schools is expected to include templates for safe classroom layouts and guidance on how to maintain physical distancing between pupils of different ages. The advice on social distancing will see different rules apply, depending on the age of pupils. In relation to drop-off of forgotten items such as books or lunch boxes, schools are advised to have designated delivery points that will not require interactions with staff.

The package is understood to include hundreds of additional teachers and alterations to classrooms, along with administrative supports for principals. Mr O’Boyle added: “It is ironic that it has taken a pandemic for us to realise that education cannot work on a shoestring.” ASTI president, Deirdre McDonald, said the plan must be in line with the public health advice on safe working conditions.Ms McDonald said she was very hopeful that all schools could reopen as planned as the teachers’ unions had made it extremely clear to the Department of Education what was needed.

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