One-week return to remote learning for primary pupils in Northern Ireland axed

A controversial plan to take primary school children in Northern Ireland back out of classes for the week prior to the Easter holidays has been scrapped.

Thousands of P1 to P3s returned to school on Monday as the first cohort of pupils to go back to face-to-face learning in the region since the most recent Covid-19 lockdown was introduced.

Nurseries and pre-schools also reopened to all children on Monday.

The next children due back are secondary school pupils in key exam years – year groups 12-14 – on March 22.

Under Stormont’s original plan, P1-P3, nursery and pre-school children were due to resume remote learning in that week, to minimise the impact on community infection rates of the secondary school return.

That proposal had faced criticism from parents and school leaders.

The PA news agency understands ministers agreed at Thursday’s Executive meeting that those young children should stay in class.

Education Minister Peter Weir also wants all remaining primary school children – P4 to P7s – to go back to school on March 22, and all remaining secondary pupils – years 8 to 11 – to return after the Easter holidays on April 12.

It is understood the Executive did not make decisions on those proposals on Thursday and is due to examine them again on Tuesday, when ministers formally review the wider lockdown restrictions in place in Northern Ireland.

Prior to Monday, only vulnerable pupils and the children of key workers had been permitted in school since January.

(Education Minister Peter Weir at Springfield PS on Monday)

Education Minister Peter Weir welcomed the decision by the Executive to allow the youngest pupils to continue with face-to-face teaching until the start of the Easter holidays.

He said: “I know that many schools, parents and other pupils want clarity on when more year groups will be returning.

“I will continue to make the case for all pupils to return as soon as practicably possible and in line with public health advice and scientific evidence.

“It is clear that long periods away from the classroom has a significant impact on the mental health and well-being of our children and young people.

“Remote learning, no matter how well provided and delivered, is no replacement for face-to-face learning and educational experience.

“I am particularly conscious of the disproportionate impact that this has on disadvantaged groups and vulnerable children.”

Reflecting on this decision at the Executive's press conference in Dungannon today, First Minister Arlene Foster said education was “key”.

“This is our top priority as we step on the pathway out of restrictions.”

She said children in P1 to P3 and parents had shed tears of joy as they returned to classes this week and resumed their lives.

Mrs Foster added: “Those year groups should keep attending school up to the Easter break.”

Next Tuesday the Executive will outline further details on return to school for all other pupils.

Arlene Foster says it’s ‘really good news’ that P1 to P3 pupils will stay in school instead of reverting to remote learning on March 22 when year 12 to 14 pupils return to the classroom.

Plans for after Easter will be reviewed again before a decision is made next week. pic.twitter.com/sO7q3CU68A

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) March 11, 2021

Stormont Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill urged people to celebrate St Patrick's Day with family this year.

Ms O'Neill said: “We are on the cusp of brighter days but we are not out of the woods, so please celebrate St Patrick’s Day with your own family.”

She also confirmed a rates holiday for the hospitality, leisure, entertainment and tourism industries.

Airports, manufacturing, newspaper production and child care settings will also benefit.