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Updated 46 minutes ago
SPECIAL SCHOOLS will reopen at 50% capacity on February 11, it was learned tonight.
Union Fórsa, which represents special needs attendees, endorsed the plan and told its members that the proposed changes make going back to work “as safe as possible.”
The revised plans mean that special schools will reopen at 50% capacity on February 11, while special classes at other schools will reopen for all students beginning February 22.
The plans include “significantly improved” security measures for students and staff.
Measures include PPE, the number of people in classrooms, and provisions for SNAs and teachers who are medically vulnerable or pregnant.
Fórsa said that SNAs would be in the first 30% of the population to receive a vaccine against Covid-19.
Plans with information on the reopening will be distributed to schools tomorrow.
The Department of Education said the reopening will be reviewed in accordance with public health councils and talks are continuing about a broader reopening of schools.
“Recognizing that remote learning is particularly challenging for children with additional needs, the Department of Education has implemented a supplemental program to support the educational and / or caregiving needs of students with complex needs,” the department said.
“An allowance of five hours per week of support for teaching or home care will be made available to eligible students. This assignment is intended to supplement, not replace, distance learning provided by the student’s school and may be provided by a teacher or SNA in the student’s home, in the evenings and on weekends. “
Speaking on RTÉ Radio One’s Drivetime tonight, Fórsa Head of Education Andy Pike said the plan is “as safe as it could make it in terms of a gradual return to schools.”
Pike said the union had not been given a set date when members could expect to receive a vaccination.
“We are not suggesting that school personnel need to receive a vaccine before returning to school supports, but it is helpful context to know that SNAs have been prioritized,” he said.
Education Minister Norma Foley said it is “very positive that we now have a concrete plan to help these children return to school in person, according to public health councils.”
“It is regrettable that a return to classroom learning path for children with additional needs in mainstream schools could not be found, but we will continue to work with our partners to provide a resolution for this cohort of students,” said the minister.
“Reopening our schools to all students remains a top government priority, and I am committed to continuously working with all stakeholders to achieve this, in accordance with public health councils.”
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Sinn Féin education spokesperson Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire said more clarity is still needed on how the reduced capacity system will work.
“Families will want to know how 50% attendance will work and what supports will be available to them when children are not in school,” Ó Laoghaire said.
“They will also want to know how school transportation will work and when full attendance will return,” he said.
Northern Ireland also confirmed tonight that special education school personnel will be given priority to receive the vaccine.
Deputy Prime Minister Michelle O’Neill said there was a “strong foundation” for vaccinating staff in special schools.
“I welcome the confirmation that special school personnel will be vaccinated against Covid-19,” O’Neill said.
“Vaccination of these frontline workers should be promoted by the Ministers and the Education Authority as a priority,” he said.
Additional reporting by Lauren Boland
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