18/11/2020

No Plans To Extend Schools' Christmas Holidays

Education Minister Peter Weir has said that there are no plans to extend schools' Christmas holidays.

Responding to speculation that school could finish early for Christmas, the Minister said: "To do so would be entirely counterproductive and would cause further disruption to children's education and lead to an increase in levels of stress and anxiety.

"It remains my firm belief that face to face teaching is the best form of education and our schools are the best place to provide this in a controlled and safe environment.

"Indeed, large numbers of young people socialising out of school has the potential to create a major public health concern. My main priority is to guard children's education, mental health and well-being."


Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

02 March 2018
Schools Closures Across NI
The Department of Education have published a list of all schools across that have confirmed they will be closed today, Friday 2nd March, 2018 due to the adverse weather conditions.
22 January 2013
Heavy Snow Closes Over 80 Schools
Over 80 schools across Northern Ireland have been closed as the heavy snow continues to cause disruption on Tuesday morning. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning, as the snow is continuing to affect many roads. Areas which have been majorly disrupted include Lisburn, Castlereagh and Carryduff.
18 September 2023
Primary School Cutting Hot Meals And Water 'Devastating' – Alliance
School children going without hot meals and hot water has been described as a "catastrophic tipping point" by Alliance MLA Nick Mathison.
26 October 2016
First School To Be Completed On Strule Education Campus Unveiled
The first school to be completed on the Strule Education Campus has been unveiled in Omagh, Co Tyrone. Arvalee School and Resource Centre has been described as a "new era" for shared education in the area and officially opened in September 2016.
17 February 2015
Further Six Projects In Shared Education Programme
A further six projects involving over 20 schools have signed up to the second call in the Shared Education Campuses Programme. The Shared Education Campuses Programme was launched in January 2014 by Minister for Education John O'Dowd. Under the Programme the Department is aiming to invest in projects involving the need for new shared facilities.