Department of Education Updates
- Published: 11 March 2021
Briefing Update Highlights:
- Masks – the issue in relation to the wearing of masks for primary school children has been reviewed by NPHET and there is no change to the policy. As it is not in line with public health advice, schools cannot implement a mandatory mask-wearing rule. The wearing of masks by pupils will be kept under review.
- Close contacts in schools will be tested twice on day 0 and day 10. If the test result is negative on day 10, the person can return to school. They do not need to wait until 14 days have elapsed.
- Pregnant staff - Arrangements in relation to pregnant teachers/SNAs are under review. The flexibility in place to work remotely stands (Information Note 0010/2021 & 0011/2021), until the review has been completed. If there are staffing issues for schools relating to this, the school is advised to contact their management body for guidance. Where necessary, the management body will liaise with the Department.
- Ventilation – NPHET is looking at this issue and will advise the government if any changes to procedure are deemed necessary. Meanwhile, the advice in the resource bundle (Section 4.3) applies.
- Serial antigen testing – This is under review by public health. Their recommendations are awaited.
- Staffing schedules – It is hoped that information can be issued to schools very soon in relation to staffing schedules. IPPN has sought a timeline on the publication of the circular to facilitate staff planning arrangements for next academic year.
- Vaccinations – The DE has requested the prioritisation of some school staff within the education sector in respect of the vaccination schedule. Further information from the Department is awaited.
- IPSP – Further guidance is expected in relation to the IPSP. Updates in relation to the facilitation of the programme onsite in schools is being examined.
Virtual Exhibition Terms & Conditions 2021
- Published: 09 March 2021
Infographics - Returning to school Guidance for teaching and learning Junior Infants - 2nd class
- Published: 04 March 2021
Dismantling Inequity in Education - ICP in conversation with Mary Robinson, Former President of Ireland
- Published: 11 February 2021
Free for IPPN members, this webinar takes place on Wednesday 23rd February at 11am - you can register to attend live or to access the recording after the event.
The International Confederation of Principals (ICP) developed its own definition of Equity in 2019, to encourage, support and inspire its membership to develop a deeper understanding of what equity means in the context of education.
Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and Chair of 'The Elders', has worked extensively to promote peace, justice and human rights globally for many years. Former IPPN President Maria Doyle, who is the European Representative on the ICP Executive, will discuss inequity in education with Mary Robinson, a subject about which she is passionate and a key strategic objective of The Elders.
This webinar is designed to:
- focus school leaders on what is happening in their own communities and inspire them to look at what equity means for them within their own context
- encourage school leaders to create an environment where they can build a fair system within their own school communities, while recognising and identifying the challenges preventing real progress in this area
- inspire school leaders to recognise the potential for education to be a vehicle for effective action towards Dismantling Inequity
- encourage school leaders to become influencers in the area of Equity in Education by having conversations with system leaders
- remind school leaders that the COVID 19 pandemic has highlighted the inequities in our education systems globally and that we as school leaders
- can grasp the opportunity to proactively amplify these inequities while they are spotlighted during this crisis.
IPPN Health & Safety Advice For School Leaders Re Partial Re-opening
- Published: 20 January 2021
The following advice has been sourced from a professional Health and Safety Consultant with a background in school related Health and Safety issues
Planning for return of in-person learning at primary level – January 2021
The Government’s “Work Safely Protocol” (https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/bb7fd-work-safely-protocol/) requires St. Project’s National School to put policies and practices in place to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Our Covid-19 policy statement is our commitment to providing a safe and healthy workplace for all our employees, learners and others who visit our school.
The Covid-19 response plan provides an overview of key areas that St. Project’s Primary School assesses to ensure compliance with all necessary protocols and procedures and to minimise the risk to employees, learners and others. The BOM has reviewed existing covid protocols and the school safety statement and can confirm that St. Project’s Primary School is in compliance with all current government and public health advice and guidance.
The BOM is adhering to the provisions of the “Work Safely Protocol” and in particular the pre-return-to-work provisions for all staff members returning to work. All new staff will be required to undertake induction training. This will be done using the HSA (https://www.hsa.ie/RTWS/#/) and DES (https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/dd7fb-induction-training-for-reopening-schools/) online induction programmes. All other staff should keep up to date with public health advice as knowledge about Covid-19 continues to evolve. The latest up to-date advice and guidance can be found on the following websites: https://www.gov.ie/en/; https://www.hsa.ie/eng/; https://www2.hse.ie/coronavirus/; and
https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/
The BOM will continue to provide necessary information and advice to staff on the Covid-19 measures in St. Projects including their Covid-19 Response Plan and points of contact for addressing covid related matters at work.
The BOM and staff have a shared responsibility to implement the measures contained in the St. Project’s Response Plan.
