
Within a matter of days, several school learners will be returning to school. A daunting thought for many parents.
This follows the Department of Basic Education issuing a set of directions and regulations, all of which dictate how schools should operate during the current pandemic.
Some of the key issues addressed in the directions and regulations include the dates for the phased return of other grades back to school. This follows Grade 7 and Grade 12 learners returning to school at the beginning of June.
The directions confirm that the following grades will return to school on July 6:
- Pre-Grade R
- Grade R
- Grade 1
- Grade 2
- Grade 3
- Grade 6
- Grade 10
- Grade 11
Furthermore, Schools for Learners with Severe Intellectual Disabilities (SID) will be opening for Grades R, 1, 2, 3 and final year. Schools with Learners with Severe and Profound Intellectual Disabilities (LSPID) will open for years 1-3.
Schools with autistic learners will reopen for the Junior Group (those aged below 13 years) and the final year (those aged 18 years and above).
According to the revised school calendar, the following grades will be returning to school on August 3:
- Grade 4
- Grade 5
- Grade 8
- Grade 9
- Schools for Learners with Severe Intellectual Disabilities (SID) for Grades 4 and 5.
The Department of Basic Education will continue to the monitor the return of learners to schools.
“We will continue to work hard in schools to make sure that we protect our learners, teachers and employees within schools. It is important to work together to ensure that we beat the virus,” said Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga.
Furthermore, she emphasised that the Department was working hard to ensure all schools are COVID-19 compliant before it can receive learners.
She has also urged members of the community to avoid visiting schools, as to help curb the spread of COVID-19.
With children preparing to return to school, what are your thoughts? Share your views and opinions regarding children returning to school in the comment section below.