Reopening Ireland's schools: Social distancing guide for classrooms issued as teachers prepare for September

One metre distancing will be required for pupils from third class up when schools reopen in Ireland later this year.

New guidance states that one metre social distancing will not be necessary among very young kids in classrooms.

There is also the possibility of "pods" which would see some small groups of students grouped together all the time and each pod would stay one metre from all other pods.

All secondary school students and teachers will be required to social distance - this means one metre spacings between all desks at a minumum.

Newly appointed Minister Niamh Foley published the guidance this afternoon.

Schools could be reopened as soon as next month, it's been claimed (Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Minister Foley said: "I am pleased to publish this interim public health advice, which will inform the development of clear guidelines for implementation in schools. 

"We all want to support the education system so that we can welcome our pupils and staff across our school communities back into a safe environment later in the year.

"We will continue to work with the public health experts over the course of the summer to update the interim advice as necessary.

"This interim advice provides a platform for deep engagement with all of the school stakeholders over the coming weeks: principals, teachers and all school staff, students, parents and education partners."

Schools are expected to return in September as ever but the classroom will be a very different place.

The Key points

• The measures outlined in this guidance are aimed at risk minimisation of COVID-19, for young people, teachers, other staff, their families and the wider surrounding community, recognising the importance of education for health and wellbeing. 

• No person (child, teacher or parent) should attend an educational setting if unwell or any members of their household are unwell with symptoms consistent with COVID-19. 

• Social (Physical) distancing, hand hygiene and good respiratory etiquette should be observed by all (children, teachers, parents and visitors). 

• This guidance should be read in conjunction with the Government Roadmap for the reopening of society to correspond with national policy.

You can read the entire document here.