NEW RULES FOR OUR SCHOOLS
● Pupils’ return to be staggered by year group ● Youngsters told to wash hands frequently ● No hot meals served at lunch for first month
Education bosses yesterday mapped out how more than 23,000 pupils will return to Renfrewshire’s schools safely.
Thousands of parents received texts and voicemails detailing which days their children should make their way back to the classroom.
For children and young people, most of whom haven’t been in class since the end of March, the return to school will be staggered in the first week with just a few year groups to start with, joined by more as the week goes on.
Kids won’t have to wear face masks in class but they’ll have to wash their hands frequently and older ones will use hand sanitiser.
A Renfrewshire Council spokesperson said: “Phasing back over the first three days gives all of our schools and nurseries the opportunity to spend time with smaller groups of children and young people to support their return.
“Our single biggest priority has been to ensure the safety, health and wellbeing of all pupils and staff and we are following the national guidance developed to achieve
that.
“This time will ensure that children and staff are developing the confidence and understanding around routines and guidance.”
Across all 62 Renfrewshire schools, the staggered return will be the same.
In primary schools, only P1 and P7 pupils will return on Wednesday, August 12, joined by P2, P3 and P4 pupils on Thursday,
August 13 then by P5 and P6 the following day meaning all pupils will be at school from the Friday.
From Wednesday, August 12, S1 and S6 pupils will return to Renfrewshire secondary schools, joined by S4 and S5 on Thursday then on Friday by S2 and S3, meaning all pupils at school and full-time from then on.
Pupils at Riverbrae and Mary Russell schools will also stagger their return with primary pupils attending on Wednesday, August 12 joined by secondary pupils on Thursday, August 13.
Council- run nurseries will welcome four year olds and children receiving an additional year at nursery from Wednesday. They’ll be joined by three year olds on Thursday and on the Friday, by under- threes with an allocated place.
Children will also be served packed lunches during August with a move to hot school meals from September.
School staff will have in-service days on Monday, August 10 and Tuesday, August 11 to prepare for the return of children and young people.
In a letter to parents, Steven Quinn, director of children’s services at Renfrewshire Council, said: “I am very aware that the last few months have been challenging for children, young people and parents - and once again I would like to thank you for your patience, flexibility and understanding during the period children and young people were asked to learn from home.
“I am sincerely grateful for your ongoing help and support.
“Although this year’s return to school or nursery will look and feel different, our aim is to welcome everyone back safely and to quickly settle back.
“Our single biggest priority has been to ensure the safety, health and wellbeing of all children, young people and staff, and we are following national guidance to achieve that with new measures being put in place.”