NI schools advised to keep pupils in 'consistent groups'
The Northern Ireland Executive has published revised Covid guidance setting out how schools and educational settings should plan ahead for the new academic year.
Outlining some of the areas that have changed, Education Minister Michelle McIlveen said: “Educational settings are no longer required to operate a system of formal protective bubbles. However, in order to support effective contact tracing, schools will be asked to ensure pupils remain in consistent groups, where possible. Schools should continue to put measures in place to minimise transmission of the virus.”
The Minister continued: “Face coverings should continue to be worn inside all school buildings by post-primary pupils including in classrooms from the start of the new term. The Executive agreed that this would be subject to review on 8 October.
“In regard to self-isolation and testing for staff and pupils identified as a close contact, guidance is being prepared by the Public Health Agency ahead of the return to school in line with current guidance for close contacts on the nidirect website.”
Further detailed guidance on the self-isolation requirements for close contacts of a positive case is available on the nidirect(external link opens in a new window / tab) website.
The Minister concluded: “I am confident that the Department’s revised guidance provides school leaders with the flexibility to allow all our children and young people to access all aspects of their education in the new year within an environment that continues to mitigate the risks of virus transmission.
“I wish to thank school leaders and staff for their continued support and wish all pupils, teachers and staff a safe return to all our educational settings.”
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