School pupils to return in 14 days

PARENTS will be sighing with relief at news that all pupils are expected to return to school – some part-time – from March 15.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed all P4-7 children will return to primary schools on that date, joining P1-3 and nursery youngsters, who went back on February 22.

All secondary school pupils will also return then part-time before returning full-time after the Easter holidays in April.

A few secondary pupils have also been in school since February 22 for essential practical coursework.

Mary O’Connor is the Dundee representative of the National Parent

Forum of Scotland and has two sons at Baldragon Academy, Adam in S1 and Jack in S3.

Her youngest son George is already back in P2 at Ardler Primary School and daughter Lucy will be returning to P6.

She said: “It’s really positive news that all secondary pupils will be getting some time in school, although not a full return before the Easter holidays.

“There is the caveat that the guidance has yet to be published and it will depend on the capacity of schools how many kids will be in school, as part of the mitigating factors to allow them to get back.”

Dundee City Council’s children and families convener was also pleased to hear all children could be back in just under a fortnight.

Councillor Stewart Hunter said: “We have been given flexibility about how the phased return and blended learning will work for secondary pupils.

“We will be working hard to make sure our schools are safe for everyone.”

Teachers’ union the EIS, however, warned against an “overhasty” return to class and warned that scrapping distancing measures after the holidays could put teachers and young people at risk.

Secondary school pupils will return part-time from March 15 until the Easter holidays and full-time afterwards.