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Primary School Students May Re...

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Primary School Students May Return To School For One Day A Week


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Social distancing in school

Primary school students may only return to school one day a week if the 2 metre social distancing rules are kept in place.

It would also mean students in secondary could only attend school twice a week.

If it was reduced to one metre primary school students could go to class 50 percent of the time while some secondary schools could return almost at a full-time basis.

Speaking this afternoon, the Education Minister Joe McHugh said the figures highlight the need for the rule to be changed for schools.

“If we just bring back 20% or 50% of our students in August and September, we could potentially do more damage because of the education neglect and the potential regression as a consequence of that,” he said.

He said he 'strongly believes' a full return to school at the end of the summer if the only option for children.

“We have looked at the scenarios; we have looked at the reality of trying to do blended learning and home-schooling and it is a very difficult space,” he said.

“From a personal point of view, it can be a very stressed environment when you are trying to juggle work and home-schooling and to consider that potentially two to three days could be at home – it is not a runner.

“I don’t believe it is a runner and that is why we have to work towards getting a full return to school.”

Meanwhile, the Government has announced a summer education plan for the most vulnerable children in society.


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