Tuesday 19 October, 2021
Some opposition politicians were critical of what they labelled “confusing” guidance for when pupils are designated as close contacts.
Students across the country have been returning to school this week.
The charity said the cost of iPads and tablets is a particular cause of concern.
More than 46,000 Covid-19 cases have been recorded in children and teenagers up to July.
63% were concerned about their children’s emotional development and 51% were concerned about social skills.
The department is planning for a “full reopening” of schools in August/September.
Minister Norma Foley said the return of children to the classroom for the new school term is a priority.
The average debt parents find themselves in is €336.
The last phase of the reopening will see first to fourth-year students return to in-person learning.
Sixth years and young primary school students are among those who returned to school today.
The so-called UK variant now accounts for about 92% of cases in this country.
It’s understood it’s likely there will be little easing of restrictions until May.
HSE CEO Paul Reid said there have been 180 index cases, with a further 84 linked to those.
TD Mattie McGrath said that the ‘archaic’ system was facing a worrying backlog.
Many teachers complain they’ve received little guidance or assurances about how pregnant staff will be looked after.
Many children, and parents, are anxious about schools reopening.
The school’s principal said the situation is “not ideal”.
We paid a socially distant visit to St Kevin’s Community College in Dunlavin.
Second-level schools should delay reopening if they can’t implement social distancing, according to the TUI.
The advice notes that: “Every year, schoolchildren get colds, flu and other infections”.
The North’s chief medical officer Dr Michael McBride has insisted it is safe to return.
Don’t stand so close to… anyone
Long waiting lists and a disjointed system have already caused major issues.
Social distancing is a rule while waiting for school buses but not on them.
The average debt for parents to cover back-to-school costs is €397.
Students at third level institutions have been advised to wear face coverings if they cannot maintain a distance of two metres.
Children also told of their worries about the new layout of classes.
The aim is that if a student contracts the virus, then only their pod or classroom would have to be sent home to self-isolate.
The government published its plan to reopen schools yesterday.
The rules will be in place on School Transport Scheme services operated by Bus Éireann.
The plan includes €53 million for 1,000 extra teachers at post-primary level and a €52.2 million school cleaning grant.
All schools have been closed since March 12 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
A plan for the full reopening of schools will be revealed on Monday.
Guidelines for schools are currently being drafted.
Minister for Education Joe McHugh said he hopes that schools, teachers and SNAs “feel they can get involved”.
Boris Johnson has announced that children could start returning to school in England from 1 June.
Sinn Féin also wants to introduce an annual ‘Back to School Bonus Child Benefit Payment’ of €140
Salads, stews and cold omelettes are great options for a back to school lunchbox.
Making primary school books free every year would “significantly reduce financial stress” on parents, SVP has argued.
The charity said it took approximately 250 to 300 calls per day from parents last week.
