WATCH: NI schools reopen after two week break to curb spread of covid-19

by Q Radio News

Thousands of school children across Northern Ireland are returning to classrooms this morning following an extended Halloween break. 

Schools closed on 19th October for two weeks as part of covid-19 restrictions imposed, to try and curb the spread of coronavirus. 

Extra safety measures are in place including the mandatory wearing of face coverings for post-primary school pupils on school transport. 

Stormont's Education Minister Peter Weir has also urged parents not to gather at school gates when they resume drop off duties today.

He said everyone has a part to play in helping to keep schools safe for pupils and staff. 

Minister Weir said,”The transmission of COVID-19 within schools remains low and by taking some simple steps we can all make sure that continues.

"I know that the overwhelming desire of parents and carers is to maintain a full return to school and I thank them for all the sacrifices they are making in very difficult circumstances.

“I am asking parents and carers not to congregate at school gates when they are dropping off their children. 

"Always practise good social distancing and wear a mask and try to avoid going beyond the school gate unless you have an appointment. If you need to speak to a teacher ring or email first.

“Try to ensure children have face coverings with them at all times and have a bag to store them. Encourage your child to practise good hand hygiene and advise them not to eat or share food on transport. 

“Parents/carers are at the heart of fighting the virus, and minimising any disruption to education, so your role in responsible action both at the school gates, and in ensuring that the whole family including children, abide by all the necessary health  restrictions are the difference between success and failure.

🎥 Education Minister @peterweirmla says the Executive will take all evidence into account when plotting the best way forwards.

Ministers are to meet this week to decide how Northern Ireland will come out of its 4 week circuit breaker lockdown. pic.twitter.com/9bRqWqU6ik

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) November 2, 2020

🎥 Education Minister @peterweirmla says the Executive will take all evidence into account when plotting the best way forwards.

Ministers are to meet this week to decide how Northern Ireland will come out of its 4 week circuit breaker lockdown. pic.twitter.com/9bRqWqU6ik

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) November 2, 2020

Education Minister Peter Weir visited Glenlola Collegiate in Bangor this morning as it reopened after the extended half-term break

"With your help we can all protect the future education and wellbeing of our children.”

Concluding the Minister said that keeping schools open remains his key priority.

The Minister also stressed that keeping schools open is his main priority adding that "face to face teaching is the best form of educational provision."

“These are difficult times for us all.  As parents and carers you are naturally worried about the impact on your child’s well-being by not being in school.  Children and young people have missed so much this year already, not just in terms of learning but in socialising with their friends, taking part in sports and other activities.

“We are all in this together and we all must help and support each other through the challenging times which lie ahead. I want to thank all of you - parents, carers, young people, teachers and school staff for all your efforts.”

Meanwhile, Eric Thompson, Headteacher at Glenlola Collegiate in Bangor welcomed the reopening of schools this morning. 

He said in his view "schools are amongst the safest places we have in society at the moment."

🎥 “Schools are amongst the safest places we have in society at the moment.”

That’s the view of Eric Thompson, Headteacher at Glenlola Collegiate in Bangor as it reopened after an extended Halloween break. pic.twitter.com/8bq8fKeO01

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) November 2, 2020