Schoolchildren across Northern Ireland are back to class full time from the end of August.
Education Minister Peter Weir said he wants every school, including special schools, back to “more normal patterns of operation and attendance” and teaching five days a week.
Revised New School Day guidance is due to be published next week setting out the plan for their full reopening.
It is thought this will advise strict social distancing between pupils in learning centres and on school transport, but the Minister said it also “acknowledges that in some circumstances this is not practical”.
“In those circumstances a range of key risk mitigations will be implemented,” he explained.
“Protective bubbles will be used as a key measure in helping to limit the number of different interactions between groups. Enhanced hygiene and cleaning measures remain vital.”
The Minister also said schools will reopen for staff from next week and for key groups of pupils from 24 August.
He added: “My key objective has always been for all pupils to return full-time to school as soon as possible, when it is safe to do so.
“One of my primary concerns is the long term educational impact on children and young people as a result of the prolonged disruption of face-to-face teaching.
“I am also conscious that many young people are worried about completing their current programmes of study and the impact this may have on their futures.
“Taking account of the scientific and medical evidence, it is now appropriate for all pupils to return to school during the week commencing 31 August.
“This return will be on a full-time basis of five days a week for every pupil, including those who attend Special Schools.
“I am confident that our school leaders and staff will rise to the challenge and ensure all pupils can return safely to education full-time but we cannot be complacent.
“ Covid-19 is still in our communities and we need parents, pupils and wider society to be vigilant and act responsibly within the overarching public health guidelines. Parents, if your children have symptoms please keep them at home and arrange a test.”
The Minister said that effective processes for managing local outbreaks, including the Public Health Agency’s test, trace, protect programme, are essential measures to allow a full reopening of schools. Impending revised guidance will outline the key measures that will be put in place to ensure the safety of all pupils and staff.
