Advice is lacking as Falkirk pupils prepare to return to school

Until yesterday the only updated source of information has been an online meeting with Falkirk Council’s director of children services Robert Naylor on Monday night.

The council has now updated its website to give parents details on school meals and school transport. During Monday’s meeting Mr Naylor revealed what pupils could expect to find when they came back to the classroom after months away.The main changes included primary pupils being advised not to take school bags to school or use their own pencil cases – supposedly equipment will be supplied for them so there will be no sharing between youngsters.Lunch boxes are also to remain at home with packed lunches having to be carried in disposable bags. Lunches will be eaten in class with classmates and not in the dinner hall with other pupils.Water bottles can still be carried to school.There will be no breakfast clubs in place for the first two weeks of term but children will be given a breakfast where required.According to Mr Naylor, gym will take place outside and more details about what days gym will take place will be forthcoming.It’s not all about restrictions however, as Falkirk Council also revealed its digital inclusion will be rolling out with delivery of devices and broadband for all pupils in primary five and above on its way.Before Mr Naylor’s online meeting the council had stated pupils will return to the classroom from Wednesday, August 12, with the phased arrangements previously announced.However, all pupils will be in full-time attendance by Monday, August 17.This is a week earlier than Falkirk Council had previously planned with Mr Naylor previously stating preparations were being made for a two-week “soft return”.Councillor Joan Coombes stated she will be asking a number of questions on behalf of concerned parents at Falkirk Council’s executive meeting today.Councillor Coombes said: “Everything the council is doing is down to the flip flop approach the Scottish Government has taken over the return to school. The soft start over the first two weeks of term was unanimously agreed at the emergency executive on July 7 as it was a good approach for both teachers and pupils.“However, the council was then told to change their plans and follow national guidance. It makes you wonder where the SNP administration’s loyalty truly lies – they voted at the executive for the good of the people of Falkirk but soon their loyalty went to SNP chiefs in Holyrood.”

Health and safety experts are advising parents to warn their children of the dangers of sharing pens and school books ahead of a return to the class room after the summer break. CE Safety states parents should prepare their children for the realities of post lockdown schooling, telling them to wash their hands regularly at school and not share pens, pencils and other equipment.A CE Safety spokesman said: “As schools brace to open with no vaccine and still much unknown about this virus, the tension is high and parents need to do their part and provide children with as much information about their new routine and school day as possible.“This will help pupils to prepare for any changes made to the timings of their day, the layout of their classroom and playtimes. Following the correct safety plans and adhering to best hygiene practices will help protect students, teachers, staff, and families.​”

Visit www.falkirk.gov.uk for more details on the school return as and when it is published.