Pupils set for return to classes
Perth and Kinross Council is preparing for the full return of pupils to school when the time comes.
It was announced this week that all primary school children in Perth and Kinross will return to the classroom on March 15.
And secondary pupils across the region will spend some time in school as part of a blended learning model before the Easter break, after which they will return full time.
Children in primaries one to three have already returned.
Perth and Kinross Council says it will continue to follow Scottish Government guidance and will communicate with parents as soon as it knows more details about the return.
A spokesperson said: “The health and wellbeing of all our pupils and school staff is of paramount importance to the council.
“Throughout the coronavirus pandemic we have been following the Scottish Government guidance including hand hygiene, ventilation and, where directed, physical distancing in schools/on dedicated school transport and use of face coverings.
“We are currently awaiting further guidance in this regard for the next phase of the return to schools and will respond to the details of that updated guidance based on our local circumstances and keep parents and carers informed of arrangements for their children’s school.”
Plans for the return to school were set out by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on Tuesday at the Scottish Parliament.
As well as the return of all primary pupils, the first minister confirmed secondary pupils would be permitted some time in class from March 15, with priority to those in years four to six who are studying for qualifications.
Secondary schools will be required to observe two metre social distancing up until Easter.
Masks will need to be worn at all times while twice-weekly lateral flow tests will be offered to staff and senior pupils.
Overall, Ms Sturgeon painted an optimistic picture with cases continuing to drop, and did not rule out accelerating the route out of lockdown.
Perthshire North MSP John Swinney said: “I am thankful to all parents, school leadership teams and staff for their hard work supporting pupils over this difficult period.
“Because of the Scottish Government’s careful approach to suppressing the virus, and the exceptionally successful rollout of the vaccine, we are moving in the right direction and can justifiably look ahead with optimism to more normal times.
“I would also like to pay tribute to school pupils for the magnificent way that they have handled the disruption to their education over the past year.”