Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (Dublin Bay North, Labour)
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396. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if an evaluation was carried out into the success of the slow down to catch up phase in autumn 2020 within different educational settings; if so, if the results of such an evaluation will be shared prior to the reopening of schools; if a similar approach is planned to be adopted for the coming planned reopening; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9363/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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During the September-December 2020 period, the Inspectorate carried out research on how well primary, post-primary, special schools and Youthreach centres were operating in the context of the new arrangements relating to COVID-19. The research captured a range of perspectives, including those of principals, teachers, parents and students. It involved surveys of different stakeholders, discussion with school principals and focus groups of students. The analysis indicates that overall during the September-December period, schools operated safely, students settled in well to school and teachers successfully adapted their teaching approaches in response to COVID-19 arrangements. Reports on the different strands of the research will be published shortly.

The Inspectorate also continues to monitor provision for remote teaching and learning during the current period of school closure in a number of ways, including telephone surveys of principals and surveys of parents and students. It is also piloting a new evaluation model for inspecting remote teaching and learning. Composite reports on the outcomes of the surveys and of the pilot inspection activity will also be published in due course.