Gov't steps up school reopening plans

Government has announced changes at the Islands hub schools ahead of plans to reopen all of them fully from February 1.

This week, local hubs are being put in place at all Manx primary schools and, from this Thursday (January 28), children who currently attend a primary hub will be required to return to their usual school where they will continue to be taught in bubbles and be provided with meals.

Parents allowed to return to work this week due to the easing of restrictions are reminded they're not automatically classed as essential workers and are asked to keep their children home wherever possible for the rest of this week as many hubs remain at capacity.

Education Minister, Dr Alex Allinson MHK, says: "This smooth transition  will enable all staff, where required, to access their own school to prepare classrooms and lessons, observing all Public Health requirements such as social distancing, ready for the reopening of all schools next week.

"I would like to thank all teachers, parents and pupils for their commitment to distance learning, and look forward to seeing everyone back in classrooms again soon."

Dr Allinson has also confirmed online learning will be scaled back this week - as a result, from Thursday, no new work will be set for pupils but they're encouraged to use the time to catch up on any outstanding work.

Meanwhile, all secondary hubs will continue to operate as they currently are until the end of this week and school bus services will return to normal from next Monday (February 1).