The trade union Fórsa has advised members who are special needs assistants that it is not safe for them to work on summer programmes established to support children with disabilities until the Department of Education publishes guidelines on managing associated risks.
In a communication to SNA members, the union says that without guidance schools do not know how many students can attend the special programmes, what personal protective equipment - such as masks - will be required, and what will be needed in terms of other hygiene measures.
Three programmes are due to run this summer to support school students with moderate or profound intellectual disabilities and with conditions such as autism.