Full primary school return expected on Monday

PRIMARY school pupils in years P4 to P7 may return to class next Monday as ministers have approved a full school return.

Stormont ministers are currently meeting to discuss the Covid19 restrictions and it is believed they have agreed for primary school pupils in years P4 to P7 to return to class next Monday.

The Executive has also approved a plan to allow all other pupils in post-primary schools to return by April 12 after the Easter holidays.

This decision is expected to be reviewed again at the end of March, in line with public health advice.

Students in years 12 to 14, who will be awarded qualification results this summer, will return to full time face-to face teaching with effect from  Monday, March 22.

Last Monday, P1 to P3 pupils, nursery and pre-school children returned to the classroom after months of remote learning, and they now will remain in school until the start of the Easter break.

Last week, the Executive scrapped the previous plan for those young pupils to go back to remote learning on March 22 when year groups 12 to 14, are due to return to school.