Schools across Highlands set for phased return to classrooms
School staff across the north are looking forward to welcoming children back to their classrooms, starting from next week.
There will be a phased return, beginning on Wednesday, August 12, and the aim is to have all pupils back in schools by the 18th.
Highland Council says individual schools are in the process of contacting parents with the exact details.
Schools have been closed since mid-March due to the coronavirus outbreak.
A programme of deep cleaning across school buildings is being undertaken before they reopen.
The council says it aims to deliver an "enhanced cleaning specification" across all school buildings, with daily disinfection of touch points and surfaces, in line with Scottish Government guidance.
Chief executive Donna Manson said: “I would like to thank everyone for their patience, support and understanding across all of our communities.
“As we have just seen by the events in other areas, we must remain ready to respond to rapidly changing circumstances. Our absolute priority is to ensure as safe an environment as possible for everyone returning to schools – all staff, pupils, parents, contractors and visitors.
"This is a considerable challenge, given the unique geography of the Highlands. I would also like to recognise the hard work and commitment of all our staff across the council in supporting this very challenging programme in order to bring all children back to school by August 18.”
Information on cleaning, on school transport and other detail can be found on the council website along with Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).