Translink operating School Network as Normal

Although most school pupils will not be returning to their classes tomorrow Translink will continue to operate the full school network of services to accommodate vulnerable children and the children of key workers from the start of the new term. 

The decision made in partnership with the Education Authority and under the guidance of the Department of Education comes on the back of new schools’ arrangements announced on New Years Eve which will see Primary school pupils taught remotely until 11 January, after which they will attend school for face to face teaching. Post-primary pupils will also be taught remotely during the first week of January. From Monday 11 January pupils in years 8 to 11 will continue to be taught remotely until the end of January while pupils in years 12 to 14 will attend school for face-to-face teaching.

Vulnerable children and the children of key workers will be accommodated from tomorrow. Childcare settings including those attached to schools, pre-school facilities, nurseries and special schools to be open as usual.

All post-primary pupils are reminded that it is mandatory to wear a face covering on all home to school transport, both dedicated and public, and it is also strongly encouraged that all pupils regardless of age should wear a face covering where it is appropriate for them to do so.

Pupils should also continue to follow wider safety travel advice including good hand hygiene, socially distance and use pre-paid tickets such as mLink or travelcards where they are not eligible for a sessional school pass.

For more information visit the Translink website WWW.TRANSLINK.CO.UK and follow @Translink_NI.

Exams due to take place in January will be facilitated compliant with public health guidance and schools will have flexibility to deliver face-to-face teaching to pupils due to sit those exams, should they wish to do so.