On Monday morning, police officers were not wearing full riot gear for the first time in the 11-week dispute.

But Father Aidan Troy said a change in the security arrangements at the school had brought no benefit to the parents.

He said the parents now had a "zero confidence" in the way the situation was being policed.

The Concerned Residents of Upper Ardoyne group held intensive meetings with senior police officers over the weekend.

The full details of the understanding are unknown but the residents said they would be making every effort to ensure the protests were peaceful and that the situation was regularly reviewed.

On Monday, protesters stood away from police vehicles as children and parents went to the school.

There were no noisy horns which have previously greeted the parents as they returned from the school.

Safety

However, Isobel McGrann of the Right to Education Group said parents and children felt vulnerable because of the reduction in security measures.

Police Superintendent Robert Robinson said he welcomed the fact that Monday's protest had been peaceful, but said his priority remained the safety of the children.

Efforts to find a resolution to the dispute over the pupils' route to Holy Cross have so far failed, but it was hoped an agreement could be found during the extended mid-term break.