Schools to fully reopen in Scotland after summer holidays, First Minister confirms
Pupils will be back in classes full-time by August 18 'by the latest', Nicola Sturgeon has announced.
The First Minister said schools can reopen from August 11 but some local authorities may chose to have a phased return over the first few days.
Highland Council has welcomed the green light for schools across the region to re-open after the summer holidays.
Councillor John Finlayson, chair of the council's education committee, said: “As always, the safety and wellbeing of our pupils, their families and our staff remain our priority.
"Officers are working to ensure Highland schools meet the Government and parents' expectations on safety measures such as ventilation, good hygiene practices and improved cleaning regimes.
"We will continue to be guided by Scottish Government advice, and have contingency plans in place if we should need them.
"Officers will be reviewing our communications following this announcement, and information will be issued over the coming days to parents, carers and school staff.
"I am sure all stakeholders, will be pleased and relieved to hear that as normal as possible a return to school, is now confirmed.”
A council spokesperson said: "Today’s announcement from the First Minister is very much what we have been anticipating and preparing for in our return to Highland education settings.
"It is a great re-assurance that we can now continue with our work to achieve a full return of pupils and staff, including those who were previously shielding, in August."
Classrooms closed to most pupils at the end of March as coronavirus struck, with youngsters switching to home schooling.
Schools in the strath and rest of the region had planned for three different scenarios for a return to school from a full re-opening with no social distancing measures in place – the main objective – to as little as one day of schooling per week.
But the First Minister told MSPs in a statement at the Scottish Parliament that the suppression of the virus means she can now confirm full reopening dates.
Ms Sturgeon said the prevalence of coronavirus in Scotland is now at "very low levels" - saying it was estimated that last week 300 people were infectious.
The First Minister also confirmed shielding for people who are greater risk of coronavirus will end on Saturday, meaning those in this category can follow guidance for the general population.
Ms Sturgeon has also given indicative dates for the return of some sectors still in lockdown.
These include live events outdoors with physical distancing and restricted numbers from August 24 and organised outdoor contact sports from the same date.
Some indoor facilities, such as bingo halls, could also open again on August 24, as well as funfairs and the resumption of driving lessons.
Ms Sturgeon added non-essential offices should remain closed until at least September 14, perhaps later.
This is also the indicative date for reopening indoor pools, gyms and indoor entertainment venues for events such as concerts but not nightclubs.
