Warning for pupils over coughing

Council chiefs have warned they will crack down on any pupils who deliberately cough at their classmates as plans for the return to schools in the Highland emerged.

Highland Council yesterday revealed its plans to get youngsters back in the classroom from Tuesday, but urged parents to do their part by keeping their children at home if they have symptoms.

The local authority is working towards an £11.6 million “plan A” to have a full return to schools completed by August 18.

Children will not have to wear face coverings in school, but some teachers might if they cannot be more than 7ft away.

Classrooms will be decluttered and pupils should only bring in what they need for the day, while hand washing will be thorough and frequent.

Education chiefs have also warned that their positive behaviour policy will cover any bullying, or deliberate coughing over others.

School transport – which has been a major concern for council bosses, teachers and parents – remains one of the main challenges as routes are combined with local transport routes in smaller communities, presenting increased risks.

Although face coverings are mandatory on public transport, and social

distancing rules remain in place, the council is still working out how to maintain the safety of all while maintaining local services.

During lockdown, the council set up 11 subgroups looking at issues such as transport, cleaning and catering for pupils and this work will be analysed by members of the education committee tomorrow.

It has estimated the costs of the return will be around £11.6m, which will be partially offset by a Scottish Government award for Covid-19 related issues.

Highland Council’s share is expected to be around £1m.

The report says head teachers and education officers will work together to target any additional resources received to aid children’s numeracy, literacy, health and wellbeing and closing the attainment gap, and that officers have started planning on this basis.

The council will also target any other additional funding to help meet the costs of enhanced cleaning as laid down by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on July 30.

The report warns that the ability of the service to manage even pre-Covid standards of cleansing has been reported several times verbally and in writing, stating that any extra and/or enhanced cleansing for schools and educational settings will require additional funding.

Children with additional needs will be supported by their respective schools with forms of targeted support in response to assessed needs, the report says.

“Targeted approaches will be deployed where required to ensure bespoke support for children who are unable to return to school in response to identified needs.”

The council has also submitted a request for an additional 4,500 Chromebooks to help with one-to-one teaching; and also for support for families with no internet connectivity.

Kitchen staff are being trained in new procedures, and options for free school meals/vouchers are being developed.

Children should be back in the classroom this month, and while they will not have to wear masks there have been warnings about bullying, such as deliberate coughing

Parents preparing for youngsters to go back to school are also being told to be wary if they show symptoms