Irish Teacher: The most important skill for children to learn? Compassion

Expert says 'It broke my heart to see Ireland’s response to Covid in classrooms'

Peter O'Connor: Our world has changed, and we should see that in our classrooms.

Last year, a programme called Covid Learning and Support Scheme (CLASS) was put in place to help schools manage the adverse impacts of COVID-19 on student learning and wellbeing. The €50 million one-off Government scheme has now ended, despite ongoing concern among parents and educational experts.

Cutting the funding seems like a poor move to me, but it’s also possible that when it comes to national trauma, money shouldn’t be our only answer – rather, it should have more to do with a coordinated, national shift in curriculum and focus.