Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2020
1009. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to implement blended learning for English language schools; if there are plans to offer further advice to English language schools in relation to blended learning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32863/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has no plans at present for the implementation of blended learning in the English language education sector.
The Government’s Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021 Plan for Living with COVID-19 sets out the Framework for Restrictive Measures in Response to COVID-19 for adult education which includes English Language Education (ELE) as open with protective measures at Level 2 and requiring all appropriate protective measures to be escalated at Level 3. At Level 4 and above, ELE provision moves primarily online with appropriate protective measures in place for essential attendance on site.
ELE providers have been advised that they should only reopen their classroom settings where they are satisfied that they have put appropriate arrangements in place consistent with appropriate national guidelines to ensure it is safe to do so in terms of their responsibilities to staff and their duty of care to students. The Department has continued to highlight the requirement for the sector and individual providers to put in place and drive the implementation in each setting of a cohesive plan detailing appropriate arrangements for the re-opening of ELE meeting where owners assess that it is safe to so and in line with public health advice. The Department is continuing to engage with sectoral representative bodies and staff representatives on this basis.
