Safety first as more grades reopen on 6 July

THE Department of Basic Education (DBE) has once again put a spotlight on safety in schools as the other grades prepare to go back to class on 6 July.

Schools have been closed since the lockdown was instituted in March to curb the spread of the Coronavirus.

Schools partially reopened on 8 June for grades 7 and 12.

However, DBE has since issued a set of directions, signed by Minister Angie Motshekga, to provide clarity and guidance on a variety of matters affecting the sector.

The guidelines also confirm 6 July as the date for reopening for pre-Grade R, Grade R, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 6, Grade 10 and Grade 11 learners.

Related story: This is what primary school looks like in lockdown

Schools of skills’ years 2 and 3 will also resume classes.

Schools for learners with severe intellectual disabilities (SID) will also resume.

Schools for learners with severe and profound intellectual disabilities (LSPID), year 1 to 3, and autistic learners junior group (below 13 years) and final year (18 years and above) will also resume.

According to the department, the institutes of learning may be permitted to deviate from the phased return to school in respect of specific grades or dates, provided that they comply with the minimum health, safety and social distancing measures and requirements on Covid-19.

The department said they would continue to monitor the return of learners to school, with a sharp focus on safety for all.

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