Issued Monday 12 April 2021

“The Children’s Futures campaign, comprising 13 leading children and young people organisations, warmly welcomes the return of ALL early years’ settings and schools today after the Easter break, including first to fourth year students at post-primary level.

“Marking the final phase in the reopening of schools, it is a great relief to see children and young people given the opportunity to resume some kind of normalcy. We are delighted for them, as we know all students of all ages much prefer in-school learning to online lessons, as do school staff themselves. It is also vital for their development, particularly for vulnerable and marginalised children and young people. The focus should now be on children and young people’s wellbeing as well as supporting students to catch up on the learning they have lost over the last 12 months and develop a post-Covid roadmap for recovery for children and young people.

“We want to take time today to recognise the invaluable work of early years' staff, principals, teachers and all school staff in adhering to public health advice in all education settings; their considerable efforts in devising and implementing strict mitigation measures have been integral to the minimised risk of Covid-19 transmission in early years' settings and schools, and in keeping our children and young people safe.

“We ask that each of us, both in our homes and communities, continue to work together in order to suppress community transmission and prioritise our children’s right to an education.”

The #ChildrensFuturesIRL Campaign works with Government, education partners and others to secure a cross-party, cross-sector public commitment to prioritise reopening – and keeping open – schools in line with public health advice and to limit the negative impact of lockdown on a generation of children and young people. Current members include founding members AsIAm, Barnardos, Children’s Rights Alliance, Inclusion Ireland, and National Parents Council Primary, as well as Pavee Point, Children’s Books Ireland, Dyslexia Association of Ireland, Foróige, SpunOut.ie, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, UNICEF Ireland and Museum of Childhood Ireland.

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The National Parents Council Primary is the representative voice for parents of children in early years and primary school education. Helpline: 01 887 4477
Open Monday to Friday, 10am - 4pm
Email: helpline@npc.ie