Council plans pupils’ return but says outbreak might have impact

The first pupils to return to Aberdeen schools will be in classrooms a week today, it has been confirmed.

But education bosses have said a local spike could prevent a full return if staff numbers are impacted.

The city council’s updated plan takes into account the latest Scottish Government advice and local authority chiefs said they were “confident” about implementing measures to ensure a safe return.

Children will take part in group orientation sessions from Wednesday to help ease them back into the changed learning setting.

Full-time schooling is due to begin the following Monday, August 17 – a day before the deadline set by the Scottish Government for all young people to return.

But, after a spike in Aberdeen cases, officials warned that might be “prevented” if “high numbers of staff” were impacted.

Minimal adaptations have been required in primary schools, given the relaxation of physical distancing rules.

More work is needed in secondaries, where it is likely desks will face the front, to avoid having pupils facing each other, while distancing will be in place between staff and pupils and PPE provided.

A letter sent to parents underlines staff will “always err on the side of caution” if pupils have suspected virus symptoms.

Parents can expect to be contacted and asked to collect the child immediately if signs are spotted – with every school identifying an “isolation space” for those waiting to be picked up.

Teachers could also find themselves supervising younger pupils’ hand washing.

It is understood lunch times will be staggered to limit large gatherings in dining halls and teachers will be asked to keep rooms well ventilated.

Informal outdoor classrooms are also to be set up “where possible”.

Most parents, unless cleared by staff, will not be permitted to enter the school grounds.

Praise was heaped on council staff for devising the plan at such speed, with Liberal Democrat education spokesman Martin Greig saying: “The city’s education professionals have done a power of good work in a short time to prepare schools.

“Our local team is making a truly enormous effort way beyond what is normal and expected to produce detailed actions and lists to keep everyone as safe as possible.”