Social distancing in school
Primary school students may only return to school one day a week if the 2 metre social distancing rules are kept in place.
It would also mean students in secondary could only attend school twice a week.
If it was reduced to one metre primary school students could go to class 50 percent of the time while some secondary schools could return almost at a full-time basis.
Joe McHugh wants all students back. "If we just bring back 20 or 50% of our students in September we could do more damage" than by not and sticking to the social distancing
— Seán Defoe (@SeanDefoe) June 12, 2020
Speaking this afternoon, the Education Minister Joe McHugh said the figures highlight the need for the rule to be changed for schools.
“If we just bring back 20% or 50% of our students in August and September, we could potentially do more damage because of the education neglect and the potential regression as a consequence of that,” he said.
He said he 'strongly believes' a full return to school at the end of the summer if the only option for children.
“We have looked at the scenarios; we have looked at the reality of trying to do blended learning and home-schooling and it is a very difficult space,” he said.
“From a personal point of view, it can be a very stressed environment when you are trying to juggle work and home-schooling and to consider that potentially two to three days could be at home – it is not a runner.
“I don’t believe it is a runner and that is why we have to work towards getting a full return to school.”
Meanwhile, the Government has announced a summer education plan for the most vulnerable children in society.
