Northern Ireland

Education minister again stresses schools `will not' shut early for Christmas

Education Minister Peter Weir has again stressed schools will not close early for Christmas
Education Minister Peter Weir has again stressed schools will not close early for Christmas Education Minister Peter Weir has again stressed schools will not close early for Christmas

EDUCATION Minister Peter Weir has again said there are no plans to extend schools' Christmas holidays.

Mr Weir was responding to speculation about an early shut down in December.

It has been suggested that schools may close early for Christmas on December 11, with many people discussing this date on social media.

The first payment of the new School Holiday Food Grant scheme, on December 14, further fuelled online guesswork by parents.

Schools are due to break up on December 23 and return on January 3.

The Irish News was told that the early food payment was to allow Education Authority staff to process the grants - and not an indication that schools would be shut that week.

"It is disappointing that despite my clear statement on 17 November that schools will not close early, there continues to be widespread rumours about this matter," Mr Weir said.

"I will once again stress that there are no plans to extend the Christmas holidays for schools. I believe this would only cause further disruption to children's education and lead to an increase in levels of stress and anxiety.

"I strongly believe that face to face teaching is the best form of education and our schools are the best place to provide this in a controlled and safe environment. Indeed, large numbers of young people socialising out of school has the potential to create a major public health concern. My main priority is to guard children’s education, mental health and wellbeing."