Northern Ireland

Teachers brand Peter Weir's remote learning proposal 'bizarre'

Peter Weir's proposals would see some pupils engaged in remote learning from January 25
Peter Weir's proposals would see some pupils engaged in remote learning from January 25 Peter Weir's proposals would see some pupils engaged in remote learning from January 25

The proposal by Education Minister Peter Weir to delay remote school learning until later next month is "bizarre", teachers have said.

It would begin on January 25 and involve non-exam year mainstream post-primary pupils until the end of half-term, Mr Weir suggested.

Unions said the threat from Covid-19 had increased significantly.

Nasuwt general secretary Dr Patrick Roach said: "Quite frankly this is a bizarre decision when the health minister has warned that the health system is facing higher levels of demand now than in the first wave.

"Moving immediately to remote learning could help to save lives and protect health, which surely should be the priorities at this time of increased threat to us all."

Those sitting exams and others at special needs schools would be exempt from the change.

The measure would be expected to be in place until February.

Justin McCamphill, Nasuwt national official in Northern Ireland, said: "Closing schools to face-to-face education should always be a measure of last resort and no blended model can ever fully replace a teacher in the classroom.

"However, if this measure is necessary it would be a failure of leadership not to take it.

"The Nasuwt has consistently stated that the minister should follow the scientific advice.

"The minister is in receipt of evidence that schools play a significant part in Covid transmission.

"Forcing schools to remain open is causing wholly avoidable anxiety and fear to school staff, parents and pupils."

Health Minister Robin Swann said a return to classes as normal next month was not sustainable.

He added: "We cannot disregard the evidence as it evolves and in order to suppress transmission of the virus, both within schools and amongst the wider public at such a critical phase of the pandemic all options should be considered."

Mr Weir agreed provision cannot be normal.

He said: "We need a further step change in the actions that are taken."

Seven more people have died with Covid-19.

Another 555 tested positive, the Department of Health said.

Sinn Féin has accused powersharing partners of "dithering and delay" over action to stem the spread of the mutant strain of coronavirus.

It wants to act quickly but has differences with the DUP over what to do.

Covid-19 is out of control in some places after a mutation was discovered in London and Kent, the British health secretary has said.

First Minister Arlene Foster told the BBC's Good Morning Ulster programme four cases in Northern Ireland were being tested to determine if they are the new highly infectious variant.

Ministers are considering strengthening travel locator paperwork and legal expertise is being sought.

Sinn Féin's John O'Dowd, said: "Sometimes there are times to act and seek forgiveness later.

"Surely it is time to act."

The Executive has agreed that festive household bubbles should be limited to one day, Christmas Day for most but with flexibility for those working that day.

From Saturday, public bus and rail services will operate a reduced timetable of essential services.

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon said: "As we continue to work together to fight Covid-19, I have agreed reductions in public transport services as we move into this six-week period of restrictions.

"These arrangements will allow Translink to concentrate resources on running essential services only during the period of restrictions."