School return options put to parents in poll

Perth and Kinross Council has taken the bold move of asking parents to vote on how pupils should return to school after the summer.

Well over 12,000 votes have been cast since the poll was launched on Tuesday (May 26).

Parents have been asked whether or not pupils should return for two/three days a week or on a week on/week off basis.

Last week, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced pupils would return to schools from August 11 – a week before Perth and Kinross schools were due to reopen after the summer.

Perth and Kinross Council is now undertaking preparations on how best to safeguard the health and wellbeing of pupils and staff as they return to the region’s schools. Education chief Sheena Devlin last week told councillors the council may even make use of the region’s town halls and church halls to allow for social distancing.

On Tuesday, May 26 Perth and Kinross Council took to social media seeking the views of Perth and Kinross parents.

The post invited parents to either click on the option of “2/3 days a week” or the second option of “Week on/week off ”. The poll closes in the next few days. The education spokesperson, for the

SNP group at the council welcomed the innovative move. Cllr John Rebbeck said: “It’s vital that the council consult with parents and staff as to how our kids and young learners are able to return to formal schooling on August 11.

“The efforts of teachers and parents, in respect of home schooling during lockdown, has been impressive but it’s no substitute for being in school. It’s imperative that the return to school is safe for pupils and staff alike and in the age of social distancing, this will inevitably mean a mix of in-school and home schooling.”

A spokesperson for PKC said: “Planning is underway for the transition back to face-to-face learning in all schools in Perth and Kinross. Our local