Testing time... so what are the answers?
How many schools will close?
All 2,004 primary schools and 3 8 secondaries will close from the end of today to the vast majority of Scotland’s 700,000 pupils. Public nurseries will also shut. Private nurseries will be able to stay open but will be encouraged to prioritise free hours for vulnerable children and those with parents in jobs which are key to fighting the coronavirus crisis.
Will they be open to anyone?
Decisions will be made on a school-byschool basis but some are likely to offer a childcare service – far different from a normal school day – for a small number of pupils, vulnerable children and those who have parents employed as key workers. The vast majority of pupils, however, will not be able to attend.
Who are key workers?
This won’t be set out by the Scottish Government, as it wants to leave this down to councils and individual schools, as the definition of key workers may vary in different parts of the country. However, ministers want it to include nurses, doctors and other emergency workers. It could potentially also include delivery drivers, supermarket workers or childminders. The Cabinet Office does intend to release a full list of these workers, which Scottish councils and schools may refer to.
What happens with exams?
The 2020 exams have been cancelled – the first time this has ever happened in Scotland. A new ‘certification model’ is to be adopted for this year where grades are issued based on three factors: completed coursework, teacher assessment and prior attainment, such as prelims.
Are parents happy with this approach?
Yes and no. The main national parenting groups accept that this is a necessary step for health reasons but they do have concerns about the impact on children’s education, and have warned of a major childcare headache for many parents.
When will schools reopen?
This is not yet known. Nicola Sturgeon has said parents should not assume they will be open again after next month’s Easter break and cannot even promise they will reopen before the summer holidays. Education Secretary John Swinney yesterday admitted he does ‘suspect’ that the academic year may be over and cancelling exams suggests ministers expect the worst. It opens up the prospect of today being the last day at school for five months or more.
Why has the Government decided to close schools now?
Ministers insist that their approach hasn’t changed – this is merely the point in the spread of coronavirus where scientific advice suggests it will help apply more downward pressure on the virus. Previously, ministers and scientists had suggested that schools may be safer places for pupils since closing them down might mean youngsters congregate in other places where there is not access to hand sanitiser and appropriate cleaning does not take place.
Will pupils still be doing coursework?
They will be asked to. Schools will send out weekly tasks, while online courses and other ‘distance learning’ will also be offered. The BBC could even provide an increased number of educational classes.
What about pupils who rely on free school meals?
Ministers are concerned that closing schools will add a financial burden for lowpaid parents whose children benefit from free school meals. They are providing £70million to support access to food for vulnerable people, including the provision of free school meals. Some schools may still offer free school meals in their dining halls, while some councils may instead offer food vouchers to eligible parents.