Catholic and Protestant community workers from north Belfast met last night to try to resolve the dispute surrounding a Catholic primary school.
The talks did not involve parents of the schoolchildren, who say they are not capable of addressing the wider concerns of Protestant residents.
A daily standoff last June prevented children from using the Ardoyne Road entrance to the Holy Cross school and led to several nights of violence. Mr Mark Coulter of the Concerned Residents of the Upper Ardoyne, who claim harassment by nationalists, confirmed he would attend the meeting.
However, he would not be drawn on details. "We will all have to refer back to our respective communities," he said.
Mr Brandan Mailey of the parents' Right to Education group said the meeting was a positive development.
"We are hopeful that this weekend's meeting will facilitate greater dialogue between the communities of Ardoyne and Glenbryn. Such dialogue can only be a good thing," he said.
The most senior RUC officer in Belfast, Asst Chief Const Alan McQuillan, last night pledged that the children would be able to reach their school on Monday, the first day of term.
In June police advised parents not to use the Ardoyne Road entrance with their children for their own safety.