Highland Council leader praises staff as schools reopen
Highland Council leader Margaret Davidson has praised the work of staff and the executive team in reopening schools across the region from today.
“We are the local authority with the highest number of schools in the UK," she said. "We have 203 schools spread across an area covering one third of Scotland. Ninety-six per cent of our schools have reopened to the first tranche of pupils today in the start of our phased return.
"Since we received the Scottish Government’s decision at the end of July, our staff have been working incredibly hard to get schools open in line with an agreed phased return of all pupils by August 18.
“I wish all pupils the very best for their first days back at school. Staff were working hard right up until late last night to get schools open with the exception of just eight rural schools, and these should be in a position to open to their first pupils in the next day or two.
"I am very proud of them all. Enhanced cleaning must be in place in all schools as the safety and wellbeing of children and staff is absolutely paramount.
“We must remember that we are dealing with unprecedented times and exceptional circumstances beyond our control. It has been an astonishing achievement to open 195 schools early and I cannot praise the staff and the senior team highly enough.”
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