Northern Ireland

Peter Weir: School closures 'unlikely to beneficial at this time'

Education minister Peter Weir. Picture by Mal McCann
Education minister Peter Weir. Picture by Mal McCann Education minister Peter Weir. Picture by Mal McCann

SCHOOLS are to remain open as usual in the north, the education minister has indicated.

Peter Weir sent a letter to all principals yesterday stating that closure is "unlikely to be beneficial at this time and indeed might be counterproductive".

The Department of Education and Public Health Agency (PHA) is drawing up guidance for schools amid expectations they will have to shut at some stage.

So far, the north and Britain have not followed the lead of others including the Republic in telling children to stay at home.

Any such move would have to be approved by the executive, which is due to meet on Monday.

So far, two schools in Markethill, Co Armagh have shut down for deep cleans due to a pupil being diagnosed with coronavirus.

Others sent pupils and staff who had returned from ski-trips in Italy home for a short period.

Both the department and Education Authority had come under fire from some politicians for not providing robust guidance to head teachers. Advice to schools has been to look at the PHA website.

Mr Weir is expected to appear before the assembly education committee next week to provide an update.

Ahead of that he has written to schools saying the issue of closures would be kept "under review while continuing to follow the latest expert medical and scientific advice".

"We will ensure that appropriate contingency plans are in place and that schools are regularly updated with appropriate advice as the situation evolves."

One of Belfast's largest grammar schools, Methodist College said yesterday it was stopping all sport and games to allow teachers time to prepare for closure.

The school said that from Monday, pupils would be sent home on their scheduled games afternoons.

The Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) has advised learners to prepare for examinations and assessment as usual.

It is working closely with exam regulators, government departments and other awarding bodies "to consider how to manage any emerging risks to the smooth running of examinations and assessments".