Return to school must be planned 'carefully and gradually', says Highland education chairman
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It is still too early to set out finalised plans of what the return to school will look like, the chairman of Highland Council’s education committee has said.
Councillor John Finlayson was speaking after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon had outlined the first-stage relaxation of the coronavirus lockdown. Teachers and other education staff will be returning to the workplace during June to prepare for pupils going back on August 11.
“The return to workplace and Highland schools for our education staff will have to be undertaken carefully and gradually," Councillor Finlayson said.
“I understand the desire for parents and pupils to know what plans and preparations will be put in place to enable the start of term on August 11 – and that is exactly what our education staff will be working on in the coming weeks.
“While I understand parental and pupil anxieties, especially for those starting at school, at this stage – and ahead of formal engagement with local head teachers, parent forums and communities – it is too early for the council to provide any finalised plans or proposals on what the return to school will look like for Highland families.
"It is important that the local circumstances of each school will need to be considered along with consultations with key stakeholders. As soon as that information is available, schools and the council will promote this widely.”
Paul Senior, executive chief officer for education and learning, said: “There is a huge amount of preparation under way to return schools and our education settings in line with government guidelines.
"Before teaching and education staff can return to school, there are a number of measures we will be deploying to ensure that the views of head teachers, parents, carers and communities inform our plans.
"These will include rigorous risk assessments that will need to be carried out to ensure that safe-distance working practices and other risk-prevention measures can be adhered to. These will enable staff to return to the workplace safely in an environment that is as safe as possible to minimise the potential for risk.
"Then, as soon as jointly agreed, risk-assessed back-to-school plans are in place, the council along with our schools and settings will provide information to parents, carers and pupils on what the new normal will be like.”
Pupils and parents are asked to check the council’s website and social media posts for updates.
Meanwhile, the Scottish Government has published detailed guidance on practical measures to allow schools across the country to reopen on August 11.
Teachers and other school staff will be able to return in June to prepare for "a new model of learning" from August. The plans are dependent on scientific and medical advice that it is safe to proceed and public health measures being in place.
Key aspects of the guidance include:
- Local plans: Education authorities and schools should draw on this national guidance to work in partnership with trade unions, staff, parents and children to develop local plans.
- Physical distancing: With some limited exceptions, physical distancing of two metres for staff and pupils will be implemented. Physical distancing measures will be kept under review as the public health position evolves.
- School transport: Schools will work with council transport teams to inform their local planning, particularly in respect of options to minimise and, where possible, stagger the use of public transport. Active travel (walking and cycling) by parents, carers, staff and pupils will be encouraged.
- Determining capacity: Local authorities and schools are encouraged, where necessary, to take an innovative approach to the use of alternative facilities to bring as many children back on a safe, phased basis as possible (subject to risk assessments), while maintaining a positive learning environment.
Separate guidance for early learning and childcare settings is being developed.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “Creating this practical blueprint over the last two months was a team effort, and that team spirit will be needed to make this next phase a success.
“The guidance – underpinned by advice from public health experts – has been developed with the Education Recovery Group, which includes representatives from local authorities, teachers’ organisations and trades unions.
“The health and wellbeing of children and young people is our priority, which is why in implementing this guidance we will adopt a cautious approach and monitor progress to inform decisions on further changes to restrictions."
He added: “It is important to stress that there will be regional variation in the approach to implementation. It is for councils to work with teachers and put in place the best solutions locally. I am certain they will rise to the challenge.”
