Schools prepare forthe new term

Planning for the reopening of schools in East Ayrshire is well underway and pupils will start to return on Wednesday, August 12.

Tuesday, August 11 has been called as an in-service day for staff, allowing final preparations for the partial return of pupils the following day.

Linda McAulay-Griffiths, head of education, said: “Following detailed discussions with professional bodies, an agreement has been reached and we will start to welcome pupils back on a phased basis from Wednesday, August 12.

“Detailed planning for August is well underway and we are working together to consider how best to phase in-school learning.

“Safety will always be our main concern and it is clear that social distancing will remain in place for the foreseeable future. This means that we can’t have all pupils in school on a full-time basis.

“We are planning a blended approach of in-school and learning at home.

“I understand that this temporary way of learning will mean that families need to make adjustments for work and childcare arrangements.

“Our in-school learning is likely to involve smaller groups of children coming in for part of the week and learning at home for the rest of the week.

“Outdoor learning will be used wherever possible. Staff will provide tasks and activities to be carried out at home and these will be set by teachers while children and young people are at school as part of their learning experience.

“Each school will assess their own needs and will be supported by the council to ensure that their needs are met and that staff, children and young people are safe and protected.

“We will keep communicating clearly with parents and carers as plans develop and more details are known.

“This period continues to be challenging for us all, particularly as we face an unknown future in regard to lockdown rules and when these may indeed change, so I thank you so much for your patience and understanding at this time.”

A parental survey will be issued shortly through school apps.