Most pupils to learn at home after holidays
Only vulnerable children and key workers to return
Perth and Kinross schools will only be open for vulnerable children and the children of key workers from January 7.
All pupils were originally due to return to school after the festive break on that date.
But following the first minister’s statement on Saturday night (December 19) the majority of pupils are now being asked to stay at home.
From January 11, Perth and Kinross pupils will be taught online until at least January 18.
The region’s schools are rapidly putting plans in place following the first minister’s announcement on Saturday.
A PKC spokesperson said: “Following on from the first minister’s announcement, we can confirm that all school staff should return to their place of work on Thursday, January 7 as planned.
“From Thursday, January 7 our schools will be open for the children of key workers and those from vulnerable families.”
Further information on all other arrangements for schools was still being set out as the PA went to press - including clarification about the definition of key workers.
Perth and Kinross schools continue to be open to staff and pupils this week until this current term ends on Wednesday, December 23. All staff and pupils are being asked to attend/report to school as normal.
Conservative councillor Caroline Shiers convenes PKC’s lifelong learning committee.
The Blairgowrie and Glens councillor said: “The news this weekend is a very stark reminder of the ongoing risks to public health presented by COVID-19.
“I would like to thank all our staff in schools and at education and children’s services for all their rapid work to get us ready for the first week in term when pupils will be learning remotely.
“This is a huge undertaking but I know our schools have plans in place. The council IT teams have been working so hard to plan for just this scenario and schools are making sure equipment and data packages are available to support home learning.
“This is a very different situation to March earlier this year where everything happened so quickly.
“Once again I place on record thanks to all head teachers and their staff for ensuring our children and young people are well supported at this unsettling time for us all but especially for children.
“I know as a parent the challenges this will present juggling working at home with supporting home learning. I sincerely hope the actions taken by Government will ensure these measures are only required for a short time.”
Perth City North councillor John Rebbeck is the SNP group’s education spokesperson.
He said: “The educational needs of our young learners continue to be a priority through this pandemic, but we must strive to keep a safe environment for our teachers and staff. I believe that online learning for a period of time in the new year is therefore appropriate.
“The role that our education staff have played in, not only the education of our kids, but in their health and wellbeing throughout COVID has been crucial and the SNP group at Perth and Kinross Council are grateful for their contribution.
“Once again, however, they will be asked to go above and beyond after the holidays whether it’s in delivering online learning or staffing children’s activity centres.
“And whilst I know we are better prepared for it this time around, it will still be challenging. As a parent, I desperately look forward to the day when our schools can return to some kind of normality, hopefully, in the not too distant future.”