School will get a deep clean

A Perthshire boarding school will undergo a deep clean as part of a new programme to ensure the safety of pupils ahead of the new term.

Strathallan School has joined the COVID-Safe Charter, which will also see testing of school staff ahead of term, isolation areas for those showing symptoms and strict social distancing protocols.

The voluntary charter, created by the BSA (Boarding Schools Association), contains numerous other cautionary measures which covers travelling to school, arriving at school, advice for international pupils and restrictions during school hours.

All member schools which have adopted the charter have pledged to also comply with all government rules and guidance.

A statement on the BSA website outlining the scheme reads:“Many BSA member schools asked for co-ordinated action to reassure pupils and parents that boarding schools took their responsibilities very seriously and that boarding would be a safe environment to which pupils could return.

“This issue of parent and pupil confidence exists not just for schools in the UK, but for any school which is asking parents and carers to entrust them with their children’s care, as well as their education.

“With this in mind, BSA launched its COVID-Safe Charter.

“This is a voluntary code to which schools can adhere, and which aims to give confidence to everyone that the school is following all appropriate measures to ensure that boarding is a safe environment for pupils.

“Although member schools can choose whether they wish to adopt the COVIDSafe Charter, any school doing so must guarantee to meet all of the requirements.”

A Strathallan School spokesperson said: “Strathallan is proud to announce our membership of the BSA’s COVID-Safe Charter.

“We have been working hard over the last few weeks to ensure the school has in place a robust and safe policy of measures to respond to all government rules and guidance, which will continue to be updated in line with Scottish guidance as it becomes available.

“The charter represents the standard trusted by parents and pupils alike, and we are in a confident position to meet its specific requirements when it is safe and practical to reopen boarding provision onsite.”

All schools in Scotland will be able to begin the new term from August 11.

More information on the charter can be found at www.boarding.org.uk/userfiles/ bsa/Covid%20documents/Covid%20 Safe%20Charter.pdf