Talks are continuing this week at resolving the impasse between Minister for Education Norma Foley and the unions over the re-opening of schools for special education provision.
It had been intended to re-open schools for special education last Thursday, January 21, but the plan descended into chaos with claims from the unions involved that it is not safe to return to school on one side while Minister Foley publicly criticised the unions for not returning to school, on the other. It is understood that many parents also feared sending their children back to school but others say special education is vital to ensure that their children do not regress.
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The INTO has warned it’s members that it expects them to abide by public health restrictions at all times.
The warning comes as it emerges that some primary school teachers are tutoring students in their homes.
Newstalk research has uncovered that some primary school teachers have placed ads on an online forum saying they’re available for one-on-one tuition.
While many specify they are available on zoom only, some make it clear they are “willing to travel” to a student’s home for the lessons.
Out of just five teachers contacted this morning, two agreed to go provide in-home tuition.
25th Jan 2021
Attempts to bring children with additional learning needs back to schools early have failed. The second u-turn in as many weeks when it comes to trying to get all students back to education. What will it take for the unions to feel safe? Amanda Cassidy reports
“Unacceptable” – that’s how Sinn Fein’s Mary Lou McDonald described this week’s educational shambles.
“The Taoiseach just doesn’t get it. Norma Foley and Josepha Madigan have failed to deliver the reopening of schools for children with special and additional needs and now rush to blame teachers and SNAs in an attempt to divide the special needs community” she said in the Dail yesterday.