The Education Minister, Peter Weir, announced on 28 January 2021 that pre-school education settings, primary and post primary schools will be required to provide remote learning to pupils from 22 February until 5 March 2021. Special schools will be open as normal and vulnerable children and pupils of key workers will have access to schools for supervised learning.
The modifications are necessary to enable the Education Authority to make direct payments in lieu of free school meals to families of pupils entitled to free school meals during school closures from 22 February to 5 March except for pupils in special schools (as these will be open as normal) due to the outbreak of Coronavirus. The Department considers that the issuing of the notice is an appropriate and proportionate action in all the circumstances to ensure those who currently benefit from free school meals continue to receive the means by which they can secure the provision of an adequate meal during school closures as a result of the current outbreak of Coronavirus in Northern Ireland.
Under paragraph 17 of Schedule 17 of the Coronavirus Act 2020 the Department is required to publish the notice and to take steps as the Department considers reasonable to bring the notice to the attention of those likely to be affected by it.
Coronavirus Act 2020 Temporary Modification of Education Duties (No. 25) Notice (Northern Ireland) 2021