AQW 17484/17-22

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 16/04/2021
Answered On Date: 26/04/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education to outline the support provided to teachers to resettle and reintegrate pupils into the classroom environment after months of learning from home.

Answer:

My Department has issued curriculum guidance circulars to provide advice and support to teachers across the system as they resettle and reintegrate pupils into the classroom environment. The EA is also delivering a range of Teacher Professional Learning courses, including the recent ‘Sharing the Learning’ Conferences. Notably, the Supporting Learning Project has provided a suite of resources designed to meet teachers’ professional learning needs during the current time. On the ground advice, support and guidance is also available to schools from their cross-organisational Link Officers.

In addition, my Department has advised schools of its intention to relax a range of statutory requirements for example around pupil reports and statutory Key Stage Assessment. This will give teachers additional time and opportunity to focus on teaching and learning in the classroom.