Minister provides update on reopening of schools

Minister for Education Norma Foley has provided a further update on the plans to fully reopen schools at the end of the summer.

Schools are currently using the resources and grants provided by her department effectively, to plan their re-opening.

Minister Foley said: “I pay tribute to the work that is being undertaken at a local school level to ensure that we can reopen our schools at the end of the month. 

"We are fully focused on ensuring our children have a safe environment to return to and the work you are doing is critical to achieving that goal.”

Schools have now received grant funding to assist with the logistical arrangements in advance of school reopening, and additional teaching resources have also been sanctioned.

To date almost €160 million has issued to schools in direct funding to cover minor works, employing support to assist with reopening, cleaning costs and PPE costs.

This does not include the cost of the additional teaching posts sanctioned.

Schools are using the multi-supplier arrangement to choose a supplier and select the personal protective equipment (PPE), consumables and equipment products that best suits their needs and the requirements under the Roadmap are included in this arrangement.

In addition to the significant funding available, the department is also keen to ensure that practical supports are provided to schools which will help in their preparation for return.

The materials below will be sent directly to schools and available online on gov.ie/backtoschool from early next week.

These resources include:

- 250,000 age-appropriate posters on handwashing, face coverings and other hygiene measures are being sent to schools next week.

- All schools will receive a resource pack with multiple copies of posters and a link to download additional copies if they require. Further communication will be issued to school principals outlining the supports and guidance that is being made available to them.

-The department is also providing a series of induction training videos for all school staff at primary and post-primary level. This is in line with the government’s Return to Work Safely protocol. 

-As well as providing induction training for all school staff, this series of videos includes further detailed information for cleaning in schools, SNAs, school bus escorts and the new Covid-19 Lead Worker Representative in schools.

This training will outline the steps that all staff need to take to ensure a safe return to schools for everybody.

-Schools are encouraged to contact the dedicated school reopening helpline set up by the department with any school reopening queries that they have. 

In addition to the guidance published previously for schools on the overall approach recommended to support the wellbeing of school communities, the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) of the department has developed separate webinars for primary and post-primary schools – Supporting the Wellbeing of the School Community: Returning to School after Covid-19 School Closure.  

These webinars are accompanied by a wellbeing toolkit which includes a range of easily downloadable, user-friendly materials, practical information, activities and resources.

The webinar and toolkits will support the school community in the transition back to school and in the future, and will support school staff in integrating wellbeing promotion into their practice.

Minister Foley said: “I hope that these extra resources are of value to schools as they continue their preparations. It is important that we put an emphasis on the wellbeing of the whole school community as this year’s school reopening will pose different challenges for everyone.

“We will continue to communicate with principals, students, parents and all stakeholders over the next couple of weeks and update all materials as necessary.”