Education Minister Norma Foley confirmed this afternoon that special needs students at primary level will return to school starting next Thursday.
Talks are continuing about getting special needs students in secondary school back.
Special schools and special needs students in primary schools will be able to access in-person education on a phased basis from Thursday January 21st.
This will also apply to children who are not in a special class but have significant additional needs.
Minister for Education Norma Foley says they are working towards a return to school for everyone when it is safe to do so.