Ten schools may go back full time
As many as 10 Perth and Kinross schools may welcome pupils full time in August, according to a representative from COSLA.
The children and young people spokesperson for COSLA (Convention of Scottish Local Authorities) Cllr Stephen McCabe revealed PKC’s plans live on Radio Scotland on Thursday morning.
But PKC’s education chief responded to the revelations by emphasising plans were still being finalised and will be put before councillors on Wednesday.
On Thursday, Inverclyde councillor Mr McCabe was being interviewed by Radio Scotland about councils’ plans to reopen schools.
He said he was sat with a high-level overview of plans from Scottish councils in front of him. He emphasised the plans were “obviously not yet fully developed” but then went on to highlight Perth and Kinross Council.
Cllr McCabe said information from PKC showed “most of the primary pupils would return on a 40 per cent basis (that’s two days a week on rotation).”
He added: “There are around maybe 10 schools or so where potentially 100 per cent of the pupils can return to full-time education because of the nature of the size of those schools and the pupil roll.”
PKC’s executive director of education and children’s services Sheena Devlin told the PA: “Perth and Kinross Council’s plan to re-open our schools on August 11 is currently being finalised.
“It aims to maximise attendance at schools while keeping our children and young people and staff safe, in line with the most up-to-date Scottish Government and public health guidance.
“Each school will have its own approach to re-opening based on the overarching plan and it will inform parents and carers of its plans before the end of the current term.”
The council did not reveal which 10 primary schools were potentially able to open fully.
But Ms Devlin added: “Our plan will be presented to elected members at a special council meeting on June 24 and, of course, may be subject to change if national guidance changes before the start of term.”
Ms Devlin later said: “All children will get high-quality teaching in school complemented by home learning, which is not solely dependent on digital access.
“Teachers will have time available to support home learning remotely and schools will communicate their individual arrangements with parents.
“The home learning offer, including our online remote learning hub, will support and enhance the in-school learning.”
Lifelong learning convener Cllr Caroline Shiers said: “What councils, parents and carers need now is clarity from the Scottish Government and a clear commitment that it will provide the resources needed to get pupils back into schools in August.
“We cannot put a price on the future of our children. Their emotional, physical and educational wellbeing can only be properly supported in schools.”
The SNP group’s education spokesperson at PKC Cllr John Rebbeck praised the efforts of schools, parents and teachers during lockdown.
He said: “It’s been impressive but is no substitute for being in school.
“It’s imperative, however, that the return to school is safe for pupils and staff alike and while social distancing remains a part of life, this will inevitably mean a blended learning approach.
“This mix of in-school and at-home learning will not continue longer than is absolutely necessary and will be guided by health advice as it is clear this will bring challenges for working parents.”