Richard O'Donoghue
Question:700. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Education if schools without music room facilities can resume their studies offsite; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33125/20]
View answerTuesday, 3 November 2020
Questions (700, 739, 785)
Emer Higgins
Question:739. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Education if school children can continue to attend music lessons if they are preparing for an exam; if this falls into the continued education bracket; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32731/20]
View answer
Mattie McGrath
Question:785. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education if extracurricular music education classes are allowed to continue during level 5 restrictions; if she will provide details on the guidelines relating to musical education under level 5; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33191/20]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 700, 739 and 785 together.
My Department has published a suite of helpful guidance for the safe and sustainable operation of schools. Each school is required to have a COVID-19 Response Plan for the safe operation through the prevention, early detection and control of COVID-19 in line with public health advice. This guidance is focused on the practical steps schools must take to minimise the risk of transmission of infection.
Schools have a particular role to play in establishing secure and safe learning environments, in supporting the wellbeing of all, and in planning collaboratively for teaching and learning in a way that enables all pupils to progress and flourish in the 2020/21 school year. Subjects which are being followed as part of the school curriculum, including music, can continue, once appropriate control measures are in place in line with a school’s COVID-19 Response Plan.
The specific focus of planning for individual subjects will vary from school to school in light of the individual school circumstances. Schools are advised to consult with guidance published by my Department is respect of practical subjects ‘Return to School Guidance for Practical Subjects in Post Primary Schools and Centres for Education’.
Further information is available at www.gov.ie/backtoschool.
Guidelines on undertaking private activities outside of school are not a matter for this Department.