Falkirk ready to implement contingency plans for schools

John Swinney, who is also the cabinet secretary for education, told the Scottish Parliament today that the aim is now to re-open schools full-time when pupils return, with no social distancing taking place.

He said this was possible because “significant progress” had been made in controlling the spread of the virus.

Robert Naylor, Director of Children’s Services, said: “We are watching closely the developments every week and will be guided by Scottish Government advice on when it is suitable to return to re-open our schools fully.

“We also share this ambition and hope it will come sooner rather than later.

“In the meantime, we have made preparations for a blended approach to learning for all our children and young people.”

Falkirk pupils have just this week received details of when they will return to school, with measures including staggered start and finish times and much smaller class groups, with the children staying in those groups for lunch and breaks.

Mr Swinney stressed that the work done by schools to prepare for blended learning had been necessary as it was still a contingency plan if levels of the virus started to rise again.

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