Parents get set to learn new date for return of schools

Pa rent s should know more about schools and nurseries returning in August over the next few weeks.

Across Renfrewshire, teaching and early years staff are getting ready to return to school and nursery next month to prepare for children’s return in August.

T h e d e t a i l s w e re announced by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon as part of the country’s route map out of the Covid-19 lockdown.

Renfrewshire Council’s director of children’s services, Steven Quinn, said more details would be shared with parents in the next few weeks.

He said: “I want to reassure you that we are working with headteachers and centre heads to ensure our schools and nurseries are safe, welcoming and familiar places for your child to return to and learn in.

“National guidance on safe working arrangements will continue to be our guiding principles for safe working environments.

“Through our experience with the childcare hubs to support our key workers, we’ve been able to learn from this and from practice elsewhere, to ensure that when the time comes for our pupils and staff to return, it is with their health and wellbeing as our utmost priority.

“I, along with your child’s school and nursery, will be able to share further information with you over the coming weeks including information on transition arrangements for those either starting primary or secondary school and those returning to school in August.

“Importantly, this will also be done in consultation with our partners and on the understanding that plans may have to change if government advice changes.”

Under the ro u t e map announced by the government, teachers, early years practitioners and support staff will return next month to prepare for the new school term.

Childcare will continue for key workers and vulnerable children in June and throughout the summer. There will also be transition support in place for children moving into primary one and secondary school.

When pupils return, it will be a blended model of learning at school and at home.

Ms Sturgeon announced a return date of Tuesday, August 11 for all schools a c ross the count r y . Renfrewshire was due to return on Friday, August 14, but this has been amended.

Mr Quinn added: “This has been a very challenging time for many parents and carers and I fully understand the issues this has caused, and I’d like to thank everyone for their patience and support at this time.

“I’d also like to thank all our teaching and early years staff and the wider teams who have worked so hard to support our pupils over recent weeks.

“Thank you for your continued support and patience during these challenging times. I will continue to keep you updated as new guidance and plans are announced.”