Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2020
671. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if schools are preparing for the continuation of partial remote learning in September 2020; the supports being put in place for children returning to schools that have little or no access to a reliable broadband service; if these children will have to undertake schoolwork at home using schoolbooks rather than remote learning; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15886/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe number one priority for my Department and the wider schools sector is to re-open our schools as fully, normally and safely as possible at the start of the new school year. The interests of students and their families, as well as the safety of the staff in our schools, are at the centre of all considerations as we work through the various challenges associated with that aim. The re-opening our schools will be guided by the available public health advice and comprehensive engagement with stakeholders including the school management bodies and staff representatives as well as students and parents. I published the interim public health advice received from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre to make it available to all schools.
Notwithstanding my Department’s overall objective, planning for a blended/remote learning approach may, by necessity, be a feature of the planning to reopen schools to ensure contingency and capacity in schools to provide for continuity of learning if required. My Department’s Inspectorate, the NCCA, SEC and other experts, as required, are working to develop guidance on how to tailor teaching, learning and assessment to appropriately meet the needs of all students as they re-engage with school.
Schools have been very innovative is supporting their students during the school closures including developing measures to address challenges where the schools and or students are in areas with poor no broadband services.
My Department will continue to work with all stakeholders to address the various challenges and everyone involved is committed to concluding planning for reopening by the end of this month so that schools have sufficient time to prepare at a local level for their re-opening. I am also committed to full and comprehensive communication with schools, teachers, students and parents so that they are fully informed about the plans for reopening schools for the next school year.
