On 2 February, an announcement was made in the Scottish Parliament by the First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, about remote learning and the future return to face-to-face learning in schools. This message includes the key information that children, young people and their families need to know.
The key points are as follows:
- The remote learning offer, alongside support in-school for vulnerable and key worker children and young people, will continue until Friday 19 February.
- From week beginning 22 February, there will be a partial return to schools as follows:
- Full time attendance for Early learning and childcare children, and for children in P1-3.
- Part-time attendance for young people in the Senior Phase who need to attend in order to complete practical work that is necessary for the completion of national qualification courses.
- Further clarification about future plans for the re-opening of schools will be shared by the Scottish Government on 16 February.
- There will be a roll-out of testing for some workers in educational settings and pupils in the Senior phase, which will help to ensure that the partial return to school is as safe as possible. This is in line with national guidance.
It is important to remember that all of our Highland schools will be closed for the long weekend (Monday 15 and Tuesday 16 February are holidays, and Wednesday 17 February is the In-Service Day). During those days our school buildings will be closed and there will be no provision for vulnerable children and the children of key workers.
We are currently working through these guidelines and are planning for the week beginning 22 February. We will continue to keep parents, carers and families informed.
Further updates about free school meals will be issued next week.
Meanwhile, the current remote learning situation continues, with the continued emphasis on following guidance from the Scottish Government to protect the NHS and save lives. Thank you for your patience and support.
2020/21 GUPS News 