Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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185. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to provide training for teachers that may have to implement a blended teaching approach in September 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10284/20]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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Since the closure of schools on 12 March, my Department has provided a range of guidelines for schools and teachers in relation to the continuity of learning. In addtion, the Teacher Education Support Services funded by my Department have provided a range of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) supports to schools and teachers, particularly in the area of supporting digital teaching and learning.

As the Deputy will be aware, my Department continues to work on developing guidelines for schools, schools leaders and teachers on the re-opening of schools after the summer. My Department will be guided by the public health advice on re-opening of schools. My Department has also undertook extensive consultation with the education partners in relation to the issues facing schools and teachers in terms of re-opening schools.

I am confident that guidelines for schools on re-opening after the summer will be available shortly and if required any information in relation to blended teaching and associated supports will also be provided at that time.