Welcoming the revised guidance Michelle McIlveen said it allows school leaders to determine their own individual circumstances when deciding what measures are needed to ensure that children and young people can access education in a safe environment.
The NI Executive ratified a range of relaxations on the 12 August, some of which had an impact on the delivery of education and more widely on children and young people.
The Minister added: “Face coverings should continue to be worn inside all school buildings by post-primary pupils including in classrooms from the start of the new term. The Executive agreed that this would be subject to review on 8 October.
“In regard to self-isolation and testing for staff and pupils identified as a close contact, guidance is being prepared by the Public Health Agency ahead of the return to school in line with current guidance for close contacts on the nidirect website.”
The Minister said she wanted to thank school leaders and staff for their continued support and wished all pupils, teachers and staff a safe return to educational settings.