Parents in Northern Ireland: Latest coronavirus guidance from Education Minister Peter Weir

23 March 2020
In order to ensure consistency of message on the guidance for schools, parents/​carers we will continue to share with you updates from the Department of Education NI, the Education Minister and the NI Executive.

The Minister of Education Peter Weir confirmed today, ​“We want to keep the number of children looked after in school to a minimum, however, we will open up a limited number of schools to ensure key workers are able to remain in work to help fight the virus for all of us.”

The overall key messages are:

  • If you are not a key worker, don’t send your child to school
  • If you child is medically vulnerable, don’t send your child to school
  • If you are self-isolating, don’t send your child to child
  • If you can make alternative arrangements to look after you children though a partner, relative or other means, don’t send your child to school
  • If you work part time, you must only use the service the hours you need
  • If you can work from home, do so
  • Childcare in the school will be available 9am to 3pm
  • No home to school transport will be provided

CCEA statement on Ofqual’s announcement 3 April 2020.

See the arrangements for GCSE and A‑Level exams announced 16 April 2020.