22nd March 2020
In response to all of the recent communications from the Education Minister, Peter Weir and Mr Derek Baker, Permanent Secretary, Department of Education, INTO has been, is and will be engaging in meetings, negotiations and lobbying with the Department of Education, all employing authorities, politicians and Stormont Ministers to represent the views and concerns of our members.
THE FOLLOWING IS ADVICE AND GUIDANCE REGARDING THE OPENING OF SCHOOLS ON MONDAY 23 MARCH 2020:
Letter from Permanent Secretary to School Principals: 20 March 2020 (PDF)
DE General Guidance on COVID-19 For Schools (PDF)
DE FAQs For Schools Opening on Monday 23 March For Key Workers (PDF)
Letter from Permanent Secretary to School Principals and Staff: 22 March 2020 (PDF)
INTO Advice re: Permanent Secretary’s Letter of 22 March:
INTO advises principal members to complete the survey and return it to the Department of Education.
Members are advised to:
[i] make full use of the comments boxes to communicate the reasoning behind their responses to the Department;
[ii] make it clear they will in conjunction with their Boards of Governors keep matters under daily review;
[iii] not make commitments beyond tomorrow.
It is vital that the information the Department is seeking is provided as it will be essential in supporting the unions efforts to have the Department revisit their strategy of using schools and teachers to facilitate day care for essential workers.
INTO ADVICE & GUIDANCE: UPDATED SUNDAY 22 MARCH 2020
INTO Advice & Guidance To All Members on Attendance at School During The COVID-19 Pandemic (PDF)
INTO Advice: Sunday 22 March 2020 (PDF)
INTO FAQs: Sunday 22 March 2020 (PDF)
TO KEEP UP-TO-DATE WITH THE LATEST GUIDANCE PLEASE REFER TO OUR DEDICATED COVID-19 ADVICE PAGE