Strict guidance issued for schools return next week

SCHOOLS in Caithness have set out guidelines for parents whose children are returning for their studies next week after the lockdown period.

The vast majority of teaching and support staff in the Highland region will be returning to schools next week to enable pupils to return on a phased basis starting on Wednesday, August 12.

A programme of deep cleaning across school buildings is in the process of being completed before the schools reopen and the aim is to have all pupils back by August 18.

Wick High School (WHS) posted an extensive list of details and guidelines for parents on its website.

It said: "We are looking forward to welcoming your child back to full time learning. It is important that children and young people are able to see their friends and have social contact and benefit from the learning, care and support that schools provide.

"The need to reconnect to normal patterns and routines in children’s lives will be important and reassuring to them."

The school stressed that this was "not a return to normality" as it had to remain vigilant and continue to manage the risks of Covid-19.

Its extensive document, based on government guidelines and advice, is designed to ensure that parents understand what measures are being put in place and support making them work.

A phased return for individual year groups begins on Wednesday with new S1 pupils in school for their induction day. Pupils will be directed as they arrive at the school.

After other year groups are introduced over the week, it is expected that all pupils will be in the school and following their full timetables by Monday, August 17.

The guidance states: "A phased return will allow us to ensure that each cohort of pupils fully understands the additional procedures in order to keep the school as safe as possible and that also, each pupil has had access to initial support where required.

"All Highland school aged pupils will be expected to attend school, unless they are medically vulnerable in which case they should follow medical advice. There will be no online provision."

Among the enhanced provision for hygiene and cleanliness to avoid contamination the school urges pupils to "avoid touching their faces including mouth, eyes and nose"; pupils and staff must use a tissue or elbow to cough or sneeze, and then put tissues straight into the bin; hand sanitisers will be available at all entry/exit points to the school and all staff and pupils should use these at the start and end of each day and at the start and end of break and lunch time should they leave the building; doors (other than fire doors) will be wedged open, where appropriate, to reduce touchpoints; and it states that classrooms have been "decluttered" to minimise the opportunities for surfaces and objects being touched.

It goes on to say that the "scientific advice is that physical distancing between young people in secondary schools is not required" to ensure a safe return to schools.

However, it also states that "there should be no social physical contact [hand to hand greeting/hugs] between pupils".

Children are not required to wear face coverings in the school environment. Pupils may however find that some school staff will be wearing a mask for a number of reasons – if it is not possible for them to maintain 2m distance, for example.

The document further states: "The psychological impact of the outbreak is likely to have had social, emotional and developmental effects on some children and young people. Many pupils may experience anxiety about the transition from home to returning to school but also many of them will have enjoyed the experience of spending more time at home.

"Some may need additional time and support to re-adjust to the school environment. Similarly, school staff have been facing significant pressure; support for their mental health and wellbeing is essential both for them and for the social and emotional wellbeing of their pupils."

Highland Council chief executive Donna Manson said: "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 18 August.”

The Wick High School guidelines can be read at this link www.wickhighschool.co/2020/08/05/wick-high-school-re-opening-guidance-august-2020/

The Scottish Government's Parent Club has also launched a series of videos offering expert advice for parents in Highland as they prepare for schools and nurseries to reopen.

To find out more visit www.parentclub.scot/startback and follow Parent Club Scotland on Facebook and @parentclubscot on Twitter.

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