Surveillance testing to reassure parents over safe return for pupils to schools

Surveillance testing for coronavirus in schools will provide “an extra level of assurance” on safety for parents, pupils and staff, the education secretary has said.

John Swinney said the testing would be in addition to routine contact tracing for the disease, done via the Test and Protect system.

He promised parents and teachers there would be “extensive” surveillance testing “across a broad range of schools in Scotland to make sure we can pick up any intelligence about the spread of the virus”.

“I know how important it is for parents to feel reassured that schools will be safe for their children, as well as places to learn and flourish,” he said.

“It is an extra level of assurance we are putting into the systemtoenableustoreassure parents and staff and pupils about the safety of being in the education system.”

A decision will be made today about whether youngsters will return to classes fulltime from 11 August or if pupils have to be taught via blended learning, which could mean some children spend as little as one day a week in the classroom.

With Parliament having to be informed first, parents, children and school staff will not find out what is happening until tomorrow, when Nicola Sturgeon will makes a statement to MSPS after lockdown is reviewed.

The Education Recovery Group set up by the Scottish Government has meanwhile agreed guidance that “can enable schools to reopen safely on a full-time basis from 11 August”, Mr Swinney said.

This guidance will be published tomorrow after Ms Sturgeon’s statement.

Mrswinneysaid:“ibelieveat this point we should be confident that our schools can reopen safely.”