Pupils to return for two days a week

JUDITH TONNER

Pupils in Airdrie and Coatbridge will return to school for two days a week when the new, sociallydistanced academic year gets underway in August.

North Lanarkshire Council has told parents youngsters will have a minimum of 10 hours of face-to-face teaching in school – with a“digital school”being launched to provide home learning and teacher support the rest of the time.

Youngsters will attend for two days between Monday and Thursday – with arrangements aiming to have siblings attend on the same days; while secondary schools will focus on aligning senior curriculum subjects, including with partners like New College Lanarkshire, and having key year groups in on particular days.

Friday mornings will be available for primaries to “arrange access for vulnerable young people”, while secondary schools “will make local decisions about [that day] based on school priorities”.

Education convener

Councillor Frank McNally said:“There’s no question it’s going to be a big change for everyone to adapt to this new reality.

“All schools are different in terms of set-up and age of buildings, which brings different challenges and opportunities for the blended model, so we’re in constant dialogue with head teachers.

“Staff have been superb, working incredibly hard and putting in a tremendous amount of work to support young people and parents.

“The council has been working on a virtual school for a year or longer so we’re a bit ahead of the game; it’s more important now than ever that there’s a comprehensive digital offering.

“Schools are working with neighbouring authorities and Education Scotland on how we can got the whole range of digital activities and lessons in place to support our young people given there’s going to be greater reliance on home working.

“This is all based on government guidance and the outcome of the national education recovery group; we’re in continuous dialogue with Cosla and the Scottish Government, and if there’s movement nationally before August, there are contingencies in place.”

Councillor McNally acknowledged childcare difficulties many families will face as a result of the part-time return, saying: “There’s a fundamental issue . Undoubtedly there’s a big challenge for parents under the blended model, especially if they aren’t key workers.

“It’s something we need to be looking at – there needs to be further discussion of what support is put in place for parents who are going back to work, at a national level.”

He added:“Parents have been really understanding of this, supporting their children over several months and taking an active part in home schooling and almost stepping back to the classroom.

“We’ve been in discussions with parent council chairs as it’s important we share our plans with them and get feedback – it’s a good sounding board and that’s going to be important in the coming months.”

August 11 and 12 are in-service days, with Thursday, August 13, marked as a return date for pupils.

Pupils starting P1 or first year at secondary are currently taking part in visits to their new schools.

A letter to parents from Councillor McNally and education executive director Derek Brown said: “This mixed model of learning is needed because the need to have physical distancing in schools and early learning settings means we are not able to accommodate the normal number of children every day.

“Schools, classrooms and playrooms will look different, with fewer pupils, group learning, outdoor and alternative classrooms, enhanced hand hygiene and cleaning routines and guidance to help maintain physical distancing.”

The council says detailed information on attendance , transport arrangements and support for key workers and vulnerable children “will be clarified before the end of the session, in plenty of time for August”.

There’s no question it’s going to be a big change to adapt to this new reality