The majority of schools that were closed due to the disruption of
Storm Éowyn have now reopened.
Providing an update on the ongoing efforts to ensure schools can
reopen Education Minister said: “Since the weekend,
there have been significant efforts to ensure most schools have
been able to open.
“Storm Éowyn brought widespread disruption to schools across
Northern Ireland and the Education Authority has been working
closely with NIE Networks and other partners to make repairs and
get electricity reconnected.
“The Education Authority's Maintenance Helpline has received
around 1000 calls for assistance from schools as result of the
impact of the storm. Work continues apace, and while the
number continues to fluctuate, the latest position is that some
20 schools are currently closed, down from 60 on Monday.
“The vast majority of these are due to ongoing power outages and
we are meeting regularly with NIE to ensure they are prioritised
for reconnection as soon as possible. However, this remains a
changing situation, and we appreciate the range of challenges
facing NIE colleagues.”
continued: “Where schools are
closed, The Education Authority is proactively engaging
principals to ensure contingency arrangements are in place to
support continuity of learning.
“When schools are closed supporting children's learning at home
can be a challenge. The Education and Training Inspectorate has
published a guide to support parents and carers with their
child's learning. It includes a range of activities which do not
require internet access for those homes which do not yet have
electricity restored.
“As the situation is evolving, decisions are being taken by
schools at a local level. We would therefore ask parents to stay
in close contact with their school, as they will be communicating
the latest position and advice via their usual channels.”
The Education and Training Inspectorate resource is available
here: Ideas for parents and carers -
Pre-school and Primary
