Special schools and classes may be reopened from next Thursday, according to Government plans.
An agreement has been reached with school staff unions over the reopening of special education needs settings.
Children in special schools, children in special classes, and children with significant additional needs in mainstream primary classes could return in a weeks’ time. However, no plans have yet been arranged for post-primary students.
The Irish National Teachers’ Organisation is calling for a “safe, orderly return to school” and for special education teachers to be moved higher up the vaccine priority list due to the early return.
INTO General Secretary John Boyle said: “Our members have a proud tradition of advocating and delivering for vulnerable children. I acknowledge that many are very concerned about their safety on their return to school from next Thursday.
“We will continue to demand that government to fully support the efforts of our members to help vulnerable pupils to reengage with in-school teaching and learning.
“The constructive work done by all of the partners in primary and special education since last Friday demonstrates our commitment to returning in a safe orderly manner to in-school teaching and learning and this endeavour must be acknowledged and fully supported by government.”
