Ben Weyts and the education sector reach difficult decisions for the reopening of schools

“We emphasise that the reopening of schools must be both safe and feasible. We want to do as much as possible, but with a maximum of safety.” Flemish Minister of Education Ben Weyts, together with the education umbrella organisations, trade unions and the administration, has made practical decisions for the partial reopening of schools on 15 May.

Overview of the decisions

14 students per class

A maximum of 14 students is allowed in each class. Each student must have four square metres of space; for each teacher, this is eight square metres.

School years concerned

The first, second and sixth years of primary school are allowed to go to school. Students in the sixth year of secondary school are also allowed to attend. Two additional years of secondary school might restart as from 29 May at the earliest. The Flemish Government’s preference is the second and fourth years.

A possible expansion with more years at the primary school level will also be looked into soon. Then, if everything goes well, nursery education will also be considered.

Face masks

In primary schools, only teachers have to wear a face mask. Teachers who wish to do so may swap their face mask for a face shield or a plexiglas barrier.

In secondary schools, all students must wear a face mask.

Green light to be given first

Schools may only reopen if they are given the green light on the basis of a risk analysis and a decision by the school board after social consultation. The proposed teaching times of four days a week for the first and second years and two days for the sixth year are maximums, not minimums. “Schools enjoy autonomy over teaching times and that goes for secondary schools too,” says Minister Weyts.

Moving mountains together

Ben Weyts realises that not everyone will be satisfied with the plan. “This is what is possible, not what is ideal. I realise that we are not offering complete relief to all parents, but I still hope that this first concrete perspective can provide support. These difficult times are demanding a great deal from parents, students and teachers. The reopening of the schools will be a tough job. But over the past few weeks, we have proven that we can all move mountains together.”