Special schools and special needs students in primary schools will be able to return to classrooms from next week.
The return will begin a phased basis from Thursday, January 21st.
Special needs students will begin to return to school from next Thursday on a phased basis at primary level and in special schools.
Discussions ongoing in relation to post-primary— Seán Defoe (@SeanDefoe) January 14, 2021
This will also apply to children who are not in a special class but have significant additional needs.
Discussions are still underway in relation to secondary school students.
In a statement, the Department of Education says "All parties are working together towards a phased return for children in special schools and a return to school for those in special classes in primary schools and children with significant additional needs in mainstream primary classes, beginning on Thursday 21 January."
Education Minister Norma Foley says "All parties share my objective to work together so that children with special educational needs, who find it very hard to engage with remote or online learning receive some face to face education in schools before a fuller reopening is possible."
Minister of State for Special Education Josepha Madigan says it is vital work continues to "ensure that remaining concerns are addressed so that a partial return to school may begin from the 21 January."
