Timetable being set for classrooms of the future
Children could be in school two days a week in South Ayrshire after they return on August 11.
They may also end up going in for a week and spending the following one off learning at home. Another option is three days at school over the course of a fortnight.
Education bosses are planning to put markings inside the buildings to ensure social distancing. Desks will be two metres apart.
Teachers will go back on Monday to begin getting ready.
The schools have to be cleaned and water supplies must be tested beforehand.
Exact details are still being worked out for each primary and secondary.
Parents have been asked to take part in a survey stating when they would prefer their youngsters to be at school.
A council spokesman confirmed it may not be possible to arrange transition visits for P1s and pupils starting high school before the official start date. How schools could operate:
• Children will be taught in smaller groups.
• Pupils will be two metres apart when sitting at desks.
• There would be staggered arrival, departure and break times.
• More handwashing will take place.
A council spokesman said: “Detailed arrangements are in place to ensure appropriate social distancing. Calculations have been made on revised school capacity as well as plans to put appropriate markings in place within buildings to ensure social distancing.”
He said how often children will be in school depends on transport, space and availability of staff.
He said: “We are looking at a rotation system, we are still working on the detail and will consult with parents, staff and trade unions.”
The spokesman said: “Teachers may return in June for the purposes of planning and preparing for reopening in August. Before they return we need to ensure all schools have had appropriate cleaning and testing of water supplies for example which have not been used for an extended period.”
He added: “We also need to ensure risk assessments have been completed and communication with staff and parents.”
It is understood children in nurseries will not have to adhere to strict physical distancing but will be cared for in small groups.
Commenting on arrangements for children starting secondary and primary, the council spokesman said: “Many of the new S1s have been involved in transition arrangements throughout the year.
“Equally, many of the P1s currently attend early years centres within the school they are transferring to.
“In the time available it may not be possible to arrange the usual transition visits but account will be taken of this when children start in August.”
We also need to ensure risk assessments have been completed