Online learning returns to timetable

Remote learning is set to be the way forward for local pupils as the return to school following Christmas is delayed due to the new restrictions.

The initial return date of January 18 already extended due to concerns over rising case rates before the festive break - has now been extended further to the end of January, with only the children of key workers permitted to attend school.

Council chiefs have been laying out their plans to ensure that consistent education continues to be delivered locally, with individual schools put in charge of making arrangements to help pupils and parents with remote learning efforts.

A spokesman for Stirling Council said: “Our existing plans for remote learning have now been extended from January 11 until January 31 and this will be reviewed in line with any further changes to Scottish Government guidance.

“Schools are communicating with families about remote learning arrangements.

“Schools and nurseries will be open for key worker children and vulnerable children. Our letter to parents and carers on December 22 gives details of key worker categories, and individual schools and nurseries have been in touch with affected families with details of in-school and in-nursery provision.”

It lays out three categories of children eligible for schooling under the key worker provision - with the first category reserved for health and care workers directing the Covid-19 response and those supporting life-threatening and emergency work; energy suppliers; and staff providing childcare for other category one individuals.

The second category includes remaining health and social care workers; public sector staff such as fire, police and prison staff; and those employed in ‘critical national infrastructure’.

Finally, category three includes all workers across sectors‘without whom there could be a significant impact on Scotland’, but where the Covid-19 response or the ability to perform essential national tasks wouldn’t be compromised.

Meanwhile, the provision of free school meals will continue via the extension of additional payments over the holiday period, with lunches available to those pupils attending school.

The news of the lockdown was welcomed by teaching unions, who had been calling for a move to remote learning as part of efforts to keep teachers safe.

Larry Flanagan, general secretary of the EIS union, said:“given that social distancing amongst pupils is physically impossible in crowded classrooms, moving to remote learning is the correct decision, therefore, if we are to successfully drive down community infection levels. Suppressing the virus is key to school buildings safely reopening.”