AQW 12380/17-22

Ms Kellie Armstrong
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 31/12/2020
Answered On Date: 08/01/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education (i) to provide a copy of the advice given to schools confirming face masks are to be worn in classrooms or exam halls; (ii) what, if any, advice has been provided regarding social distancing; and (iii) what risk assessment measures the Education Authority and Council for Catholic Maintained Schools have provided staff in relation to the wearing of face masks and social distancing in classrooms or exam halls.

Answer:

Following the Executive’s agreement to adopt a more ambitious approach to the return to school, revised Education Restart Guidance relating to practical arrangements for re-opening schools was revised and published on 8 December 2020 taking account of new information. This will be reviewed and updated as we develop more stringent measures to try and prevent any further spread of the virus: for instance making use of face coverings in classrooms compulsory for post primary pupils unless exempt.

While the Department of Health requirement for social distancing at 2m has not changed, the Executive, on 6 August 2020, agreed that the stringent application of social distancing requirements between pupils will be relaxed from 17 August.

Public Health guidance with respect to social distancing of 2 metres (2m) will remain in place between adults and as far as possible between adults and pupils.

Social distancing applies to staff, older pupils, parents (and any others who may attend the school) and any external contractors or delivery people and should be considered in all relevant areas of schools, including classrooms, indoor and outdoor spaces as well as those not used for learning and teaching (e.g. cloakrooms, entrance halls, resource areas etc.)

The AQE examinations are planned to go ahead on 27 February, and I have written to the private organisation who host these tests asking them to advise me of the mitigating measures being put in place so that children sit the examinations in line with current guidance relating to social distancing and public health measures.

Risk assessments will be in the regulations, and that they will apply to the premises where more than 6 staff are present (formerly this was 15), and to the individual teachers.

I’ll am seeking further clarity as this develops, my Department is working with EA colleagues to ensure that we have the relevant assessments in place within schools.