The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Face-to-face learning for pupils ‘to be prioritised’
Face-to-face education will be Moray Council’s priority when schools resume in August, the administration has pledged.
Several options, including staggered breaks, longer lessons in secondary schools and one-way systems, have been proposed for after the summer holidays.
Home learning is, however, expected to remain in the initial stages, with the council setting a 50% in-school attendance target as part of a “blended” approach.
Parents, meanwhile, have been encouraged to make transport requests before the end of the month to allow arrangements, which could include larger vehicles or double runs, to be made.
S o n y a W a r r e n , chairwoman of the council’s children and young people’s committee, does not want the temporary measures to last any longer than necessary.
She said: “We are absolutely clear blended education should only be in place for the minimum time possible and we will maximise the face-to-face learning we can deliver within social distancing rules.
“It is vital we have the best quality of education possible under these circumstances.”
Mrs Warren added: “The complexity of preparing our schools and co-ordinating the more than 1,000 staff involved in delivering education in Moray should not be underestimated.
“It involves extensive planning for staffing arrangements, major changes to building layouts and signage and significant work changes to building cleaning and catering.”
Moray Council has said tailored approaches will be implemented in each individual school due to differing pupil numbers, classroom layouts and sizes.
A blueprint drawn up to pave the way for students to return will be debated by councillors next week ahead of a vote seeking approval.
Schools in Moray are due to return on August 12, after two in-service days for staff.
Vivienne Cross, the council’s head of education, paid tribute to all teachers for their flexibility during the coronavirus lockdown.
In a report, she said: “The rapid move to the use of online platforms has been embraced by all, ensuring learning and teaching has continued at home while our buildings have been closed.”