Schools in Northern Ireland will open to some pupils from August 17, it's been reported.
Education Minister Peter Weir gave the “target date” in a meeting with principals, according to the BBC.
But the Department of Education won't confirm a date has been set - only reiterating a plan to for some pupils to return in late August.
In a statement this evening, a spokeswoman said: " Subject to medical and scientific advice the Department aims to see a phased reopening of schools and settings, beginning with a limited provision for key cohort years during August, followed by a phased provision for all pupils at the beginning of September.
"For most pupils it will involve a schedule with a mixture of school attendance and remote learning at home."
The Ulster Teachers’ Union said they will seek “legal clarification” and urged schools to hold off on any decisions until further guidance is given.
Jacquie White, the union’s general secretary, said they had understood attendance from August 17 would be voluntary only.
She added: “However it now appears that directions have been issued by the Education Minister, to principals in a recent webinar.
“This raises significant questions around the implications on teachers’ contracts and any holidays booked.
“We would emphasise that schools should not be acting upon such directions and should wait until further official guidance is published as the legal basis with regard to that matter remains unclear.”
