Councils ensure pupils’ progress will not take hit during closures

Dundee City Council says it will ensure school pupils can continue to work from home during the coronavirus shutdown.

The local authority wants to ensure children are not deprived of essential learning time and had been making preparations ahead of First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s announcement.

The council’s children and families service convener, Stewart Hunter, said: “While we are awaiting the full details of these closures, we are looking at a number of ways to support pupils with their education.

“Homework packs and online resources are being made available, while we are making full use of the online Glow system.

“We understand that this announcement will have childcare implications for many families across

“Homework packs and online resources are being made available. STEWART HUNTER

the city, and we are working hard to help them through this extremely challenging time. Further details will follow in due course.”

Fife Council’s executive director of education Carrie Lindsay said: “Our schools and early learning centres have been planning for this and we have been working closely with our head teachers to make sure that some form of learning can continue.”

Sheena Devlin, executive director of education and children’s services at Perth and Kinross Council said: “While the decision to close schools is unprecedented, council officers have been planning for such a decision and have been working to ensure pupils will be able to continue learning.”

She said: “I am confident every effort is being taken so the impact on pupils, particularly those studying for SQA exams, is as minimal as can be.”