My Department published the Roadmap for the full return to school on 26th July 2020 (updated on 5th August 2020) for the Primary and Post Primary sectors. Afterwards it published the Guidelines for Further and Higher Education for returning to on-site activity in 2020 - Roadmap and Covid-19 Adaptation Framework on 22nd July 2020 (updated on 29th August, 2020).
The Department's guidance for schools to operate in a safe and sustainable manner for students and staff does not impact on the existing terms and conditions of teachers. It has been developed in line with public health advice and followed comprehensive and intensive engagement with education stakeholders including the school management bodies and staff representatives. It also reflects a consideration of approaches adopted in other jurisdictions, which have been finalised in recent weeks.
In-person primary and post primary schooling have been deemed essential services up to and including level 5.