Mr. Hubert Loftus:

I suppose the first port of call in working through the public health advice is to provide the framework for schools in order that they then know how they can manage within the confines of the school building and how they can maximise space within the classroom. That includes taking a fresh look at each classroom and taking a look to see what is the furniture in the classroom that does not need to be within it to maximise space. It includes taking a fresh look at the building generally, what spaces there might be within an assembly area, hall or whatever else.

Many schools also have facilities adjacent to the school building, be it the parish hall or whatever. This is all about a national collective effort to facilitate the return of schools, because that is in everyone's interest. Where there are particular pinch points to be managed, we will be working with schools individually.