Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 July 2020
416. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Education and Skills if clear guidance will be provided that classroom space designated for ASD or other special needs units will not be appropriated by schools out of necessity to accommodate social distancing, thus negating the pedagogical and social benefits of the separate units. [17113/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraPublic health advice for the reopening of schools and educational facilities underpins the important work of ongoing engagements with education partners and stakeholders in terms of planning and providing guidance for schools to ensure the return to school is safe for children and staff.
The guidance for schools, when fully developed, will include templates that can be used by schools as a guide to reconfigure classrooms in line with the physical distancing requirements published in the interim public health advice. This will include guidance for ASD and other special needs units.
It is envisaged that this guidance will be finalised by the end of July in order to allow time for schools to implement the necessary arrangements locally.
