Pupils back to class full-time in August Two metre rule not mandatory but ‘encouraged’
Stirling’s school pupils are to return to the classroom full-time in August, the First Minister has confirmed.
Yesterday (Thursday) Nicola Sturgeon revealed that some councils may opt for a phased return to schools but that she expects full-time teaching to be in place by August 18.
Pupils will not have to adhere to the two metre social distancing advice, but teachers and staff are being encouraged to promote social distancing.
Despite the return, Scotland will not be moving into Phase 4 of its recovery from the virus.
The First Minister said: “Given how long children have been out of school, some local authorities may opt for a phased return over the first few days.
“But we expect all pupils to be at school full-time from August 18 at the latest.
“I realise that earlier confirmation of this would have provided more certainty for schools and parents to get ready for the new term – but we had to be very sure that the latest evidence supported this decision.”
She added: “Last Friday, the Education Recovery Group agreed guidance to support the safe return of schools.
“That guidance - which is being published today - draws on scientific advice from our advisory group on education and children’s issues.
“The guidance makes clear that in general, physical distancing between pupils will not be required while on the school estate, although distance should be maintained between pupils in secondary schools where possible provided this does not compromise the return to full time schooling.”
Ms Sturgeon went on: “The guidance also sets out the risk-mitigation measures that must be introduced in all educational settings. These include ventilation, good hygiene practices, and improved cleaning regimes.
“It is vital for the safe reopening of schools that these measures are applied rigorously in all settings.
“In addition, important public health measures will also be in place for schools.”
The measures include Test and
Protect, and fast access to testing for any symptomatic staff and pupils.
An enhanced surveillance programme in schools will also be established, which will allow the government to identify any impact of the virus on pupils and staff in schools across the country.
The First Minister also pledged to make a further £30 million available to support the recruitment of additional teachers. That’s in addition to £45 million previously announced.
It’s expected that this will allow for around 1400 extra teachers.
Ms Sturgeon also warned that a blended return may have to be put in place in there is a resurgence in the disease.
She said: “I must be clear at this stage that no-one can absolutely rule out the possible need for blended learning arrangements in future - either nationally or locally - if there is a significant increase in Covid.”
Stirling Council will now be finalising plans for a return to schools but there was no comment as the Observer went to press.
Speaking at Holyrood yesterday (Thursday), the First Minister revealed that there have been no coronavirus related deaths in the previous two weeks. Scotland’s death toll remains at 2491.
A slight change in self-isolation for those who have tested positive was also revealed. Anyone who now tests positive for Covid-19 must now isolate for 10 days, a change from the previous one week rule.
According to the latest review, it’s estimated that 300 people are currently infectious in Scotland, however, the rate of infection, or R number, remains below 1.
From August 1 people who have been shielding will no longer have to do so.