Could children be at school for just two days a week?
PUPILS could spend just two days a week at school when classes start in August, it emerged yesterday.
The other three days would probably be spent at home learning online or in makeshift classrooms outwith normal school grounds.
Sports stadiums and conference centres have been suggested as possible alternative classroom venues.
Education chiefs say those returning to their old school will see strict social distancing in place, with playgrounds marked out in two-metre sections.
Pupils and staff will be told to engage in social distancing from everyone else, but younger primary and nursery children are more likely to be allowed to play normally.
Class sizes are also expected to be signifilearning, cantly smaller to accommodate social distancing.
Scottish Government guidance yesterday outlined how children can get back to the classroom after months away.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: ‘It is important to stress that there will be regional variation in the approach to implementation.
‘It is for councils to work with teachers and put in place the best solutions locally.
‘I am certain they will rise to the challenge.’
The guidance also suggests that pupils be taught in ‘flexible accommodation’, including mobile classrooms and geodomes – miniature versions of the giant Eden Project greenhouses.
Polytunnels and canopies could be used for outdoor while other suggestions include converting assembly and dining halls into multiple classrooms.
Pupils are expected to return from August 11, with teachers returning to classrooms as early as Monday to prepare.
Councils and education staff have been told to ‘prepare for a new model of learning’ when pupils return, to help everyone adhere to ‘scientific and medical advice’.
The guidance also said that, when capacity issues arise, remote learning may need to be used to maintain social distancing. Pupils will also be required to stay two metres away from each other and staff, although these measures will be ‘kept under review’.
Schools have also been told to minimise and, where possible, stagger the use of public transport, and encourage pupils and their parents to walk and cycle to school.
Some local authorities, such as Glasgow City Council, are already considering a switch to part-time learning.
The council has said that a two-day school week could be one possible solution to allow for social distancing.
Plans would see children split into two groups, with the first being taught on Monday and Tuesday, and the second on Thursday and Friday.
Wednesday would be used for teacher preparation and deep cleaning of classrooms.
Alternative models are being considered and it is unlikely a single approach will be used by the council.
Glasgow City Council said: ‘No plans for the return to the school day have been confirmed as we are still in discussions with headteachers and the unions.’
Aberdeen City Council said it is looking at similar models including the blended use of classroom teaching and learning from home.
In England, the schools minister Nick Gibb has said that the vast majority of councils are already preparing for schools to restart for some pupils next week.
‘We are still in discussions’