Primary and nursery schools fear they will face a scramble to prepare for pupils’ return to classes after the Executive dithered on the issue once again.
Ministers decided that primary years one to three could remain in school beyond March 22, when they were originally scheduled to revert to remote learning to allow exam years 12 to 14 to return to lessons.
But any decision on the remaining pupils will not be made until the next review of lockdown, due on Tuesday.
Dr Graham Gault, the president of the National Association of Head Teachers, said it was no surprise that schools had again been left in the dark.
By tonight, all parents should have an idea when children will be returning to full-time classes.
Primary years one to three went back last Monday but are currently scheduled to revert to remote learning on March 22 so that pupils in exam years 12 to 14 can return to education.
If the Executive sticks to that plan, the youngest children will be in school for just nine days before having an extended Easter break, while those in the exam years will have just one week back in class before the holidays.
Education Minister Peter Weir will today ask the Executive to speed up the process of reopening schools for all pupils.
Covid-19: Special needs teachers overlooked by Stormont
By Michael Sheils McNamee
A special educational needs (SEN) teacher has said greater support is needed for staff in the sector.
It comes amid increased calls for educational staff, including SEN workers, to be a vaccination priority.
Tania Marshall, who teaches nursery-age children at Roddensvale School in Larne, said no instruction had been given other than to stay open.
She said three staff members in the school s nursery had tested positive for coronavirus.
It meant the class was not able to continue with lessons as it normally would.
Mrs Marshall said she felt the people who are talking don t have a knowledge of what we do in special schools .