Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 June 2020
169. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if special arrangements will be made for sixth class students to return to their primary schools for a period before they commence secondary school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10166/20]
View answerI acknowledge that this is a particularly challenging time for all students, and parents across the education system, but particularly for those students who will be transferring from primary to post-primary school. I recognise that at this stage of the school year, teachers focus in particular on supporting the children who will be leaving the school to start the next stage of their education.
My Department’s Continuity of Schooling Group has developed guidance for schools which includes advice on how best 6th class pupils can be supported to make the transition to post-primary school, given that they will not have the opportunity to engage in all of the traditional transition activities that they would normally have engaged in.
It is important that pupils move on with their peers and continue on to the next stage of their education. The guidance that issued to primary schools on Thursday 28th May includes information on managing transitions to include the move from primary to post-primary school. It sets out how existing resources such as the Education Passport, NEPs Continuum of Support and the Home School Liaison Officers in DEIS schools can be utilised.
The guidance can be accessed via the below link;
https://www.education.ie/en/Schools-Colleges/Information/National-Emergencies-Public-Health-Issues/guidance-on-continuity-of-schooling-primary.pdf
