Reopening of Schools & Remote Learning – IPPN Advocacy
- Published: 14 January 2021
Further to IPPN president Damian White’s letter to members in last week’s E-scéal, IPPN has advocated strongly on behalf of members who raised significant concerns about the Department’s decision to partially reopen schools, which was later reversed, as well as the issues around the resumption of remote learning. The statement outlining the key points raised with the Department was notified to members on Thursday evening and is available here.
Since then, many schools have contacted IPPN expressing their concern about the decision to reverse and looking for flexibility to reopen, where the Board of Management feels they can safely do so, to support vulnerable pupils. IPPN continues to advocate for the safe reopening of schools and for school leaders’ views and expertise to be taken into account in future decisions. There are ongoing discussions between the Department, the unions and the management bodies and following a briefing this morning, the Minister issued this statement. It is expected that further details will follow. As soon as this information becomes available it will be communicated to members.
The Leadership Support team is available to support any school leader who wishes to discuss these issues as they relate to their school. You can reach them by emailing info@ippn.ie or by phoning 021 4824070.
