Dear Principal
As you are aware, the Government has made a decision on foot of public health advice
to extend the level 5 restriction measures in place to supress the spread of Covid-19,
and as part of these measures to continue this phase of school closure at present.
This decision has been made in the context of wishing to avoid the movement of the
full one-million strong school-going population daily. The closure of schools will be kept
under ongoing review by Government.
It is a priority for Government to address the needs of children with special educational
needs and provide additional supports for these children during this period of closure,
in line with public health advice.
The Department of Education is engaging closely with stakeholder representatives
during this limited period, to work towards achieving consensus on a satisfactory way
forward to ensure a safe phased return of children with special educational needs to inschool learning.
This remains a high priority for all partners.
The Department is also continuing to work with education partners to ensure that all
schools can safely fully reopen, in line with public health advice.