Back to school for thousands of pupils

More than 20,000 pupils across the region will return to school full-time for the first time this year on Monday.

As schools reopen after the Easter holidays, those in S1 and S6 will be required to wear face coverings inside school buildings and are being encouraged to take part in twice-weekly coronavirus testing.

Two-metre distancing requirements in place in secondary schools before the holidays have been scrapped.

However, families have been reminded of the safety measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 when Tayside schools reopen a week after those in Fife.

Many pupils are accustomed to wearing masks in class, with the level three guidance for S4-S6 issued last autumn being recommended for S1-S3 by Tayside schools.

But Scottish Government guidance has now been strengthened and states face coverings should be worn at all times by staff and young people in secondary school classrooms, communal areas and when moving about the school.

Individual schools have put their own safety measures in place.

Harris Academy in Dundee has designated separate entrances for each of its house groups, recorded seating plans introduced a staggered end to the school day.

Kinross High School also has separate entrances for year groups and will operate staggered break and lunch times and a oneway system in corridors.

Perth and Kinross Council’s convener of lifelong learning, Caroline Shiers, said she knew how difficult the period of remote learning had been.

“I have a son who is in S1, so I know that for pupils like him, and indeed their families, it has been a long four months.”

She continued: “There will be safety measures in place throughout our schools and everything possible being done to mitigate any risks of virus transmission and I thank all those involved in ensuring our buildings are ready for the full return of pupils.”

Angus Council’s children and learning convener, Derek Wann, said: “We want to get all our pupils back to some sort of normality, but it’s very important that we observe all the rules that are in place in schools.”

Guidance issued by Angus Council asks all young people – except those who are exempt – to wear face coverings in secondary schools and on school transport.

Dundee City Council’s children and families convener, Stewart Hunter, urged families to continue following rules designed to prevent spread of Covid-19 and thanked school staff for their efforts preparing for the first day back.

“This is a huge step forward for our secondary pupils and they will be excited to return to school full-time following long closures,” he said.

“Reopening demonstrates the progress that has been achieved and we must do all we can to protect that. We cannot be complacent.

“Families continue to have a vital role to play by sticking to the rules when they are dropping off and picking up at any of our nursery, primary and secondary schools.”

Secondary school pupils returned part-time from March 15, the same day P4 to P7 pupils returned fulltime. Younger children in nurseries and P1 to P3 were back in school three weeks earlier.

Secondary school pupils who are shielding have been advised to remain at home until April 26.

BACK TO CLASS: Most pupils will have to wear face coverings while on school premises. Picture by Gareth Jennings.