The approach to supporting schools to operate safely during Covid-19 has been to follow and implement public health advice. Public health has reviewed the measures put in place to ensure safe operation of schools and is satisfied that that compliance with these measures ensure that schools remain low risk for children and staff. It is clear that there is a significant negative impact from absences from school on children’s educational, social and emotional well-being.
The Department is not aware of schools or classes moving fulltime to remote learning. As the Deputy is aware, on a small number of occasions, public health restrictions has necessitated short term closures. As a contingency measure, the Department has already provided a suite of guidance materials, agreed with the education partners, to enable schools to facilitate the continuity of learning. These are available at www.gov.ie/backtoschool.
This documentation has been complemented by Circular 0074/2020 (Communication/Teaching & Learning Platform) which requires all schools to have in place appropriate contingency measures to ensure that they are prepared to continue to support teaching and learning in the event of a partial or full closure of schools arising from Public Health advice.
As part of the guidance, schools were advised to research various digital platforms for facilitating communication between teachers and pupils and supporting pupils learning remotely. Schools should use the most appropriate whole-school approach for their context. In some schools, the use of digital communication platforms may not be appropriate or possible for some pupils.
Where students are advised to self-isolate or restrict their movements, schools should continue to focus on supporting their wellbeing. Staff and families who are experiencing particularly challenging times can be directed to the support services available at gov.ie. Families can be referred to the resources and supports provided by agencies such as the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) and the Tusla Education Support Service (TESS). Staff can refer to the Employee Assistance and Wellbeing Programme. Schools may also consult with NEPS in relation to the academic, social and emotional needs of their pupils.