Higland MSP wants to know why some schools won't open
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Highlands and Islands MSP Rhoda Grant is asking for answers after it emerged that a number of primary schools in the Highland Council region will not be opening today (Wednesday) because of challenges with the enhanced cleaning procedures.
Mrs Grant was alarmed to learn that the affected parents were told late last night that a number of schools would not be opening after nearly five months of closure due to Covid-19.
It is believed that this is due to challenges with the enhanced cleaning procedures and other issues relating to staffing and building works.
She has urgently written to Highland Council and The Scottish Government to seek answers as to why parents were issued the news at such short notice and why the issues could not have been resolved in the summer holidays.
“I know there were issues about guidance regarding school opening but surely Highland Council must have known before 10pm last night that these schools would not open.
"It is not good enough that these parents were issued this news so late in the day and with very short notice find childcare.
"We know women are worse affected economically by Covid-19 and this does not help. I hope employers will be sympathetic.
Mrs Grant continued: “Teachers have done an incredible job of getting ready for the return of pupils to schools, however it is essential that the Scottish Government provide local authorities with whatever it takes for schools to reopen safely and to deliver learning effectively, including funding to employ more teachers and classroom assistants, to rent extra estate, to put on additional transport, and to pay for cleaning.
"If these closures were due to a lack of resources, the blame will lie firmly with the education secretary and the Scottish Government.
“My heart goes out to the affected parents, who I’m sure were anxious to take this step, and to the children who were excited to begin their new school year."
The schools involved are:
Mallaig Primary
Rum Primary
Tore Primary
Shieldaig Primary
Tarbat Old Primary
Kyle Primary
Kyleakin Primary
Knockbreck Primary (Skye)
