School bells set to ring again across Falkirk district

From tomorrow (Wednesday), pupils will be starting to get back to their desks for the first time following the sudden closure of schools due to the Covid-19 pandemic back in March.

Falkirk Council is taking a staggered approach to the return, with arrangements in place for different year groups on different days this week, before everyone returns full time from next Monday.

Staff returned to work on Monday for two in-service days before the pupils return.

However, although the schools are back, it is not business as usual with a number of changes and measures put in place to ensure the safety of both pupils and staff.

Among the changes, primary pupils are being advised not to take school bags to school or use their own pencil cases – equipment will be supplied for them so there will be no sharing between youngsters.

They are also advised to leave lunch boxes at home where possible and to carry packed lunches 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 and gym will take place outside.

For the first two weeks of term there will be no breakfast clubs, but children will be given a breakfast where required.

Some of the measures in place such as staggered start times, specific doors for different classes and staggered break times, vary depending on the individual school.

Children in Early Learning Centres and primary schools will not have to physically distance from each other while in school.

In primary schools, wherever possible there will be a physical distance of two metres between adults and children, however this requirement may not apply to younger children (P1 and P2) or children with additional support needs who may need personal or intimate care.

However in secondary schools, distancing will be encouraged, where possible, between young people, and between all young people and adults.

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.

Falkirk Council is taking a phased approach to getting pupils back to school this week, with all pupils in full time attendance by Monday, August 17.

This is a week earlier than the council had previously planned.

Changes have also been made to the school lunch menu.

From tomorrow when the first pupils are scheduled to return Lunch Grab Bags will be the school meal menu option available to all youngsters attending primary schools.

Education chiefs have promised a review of this provision and when the service can resume the standard three-week menu cycle will be undertaken before August 31.

Pupils who are not scheduled to attend school and are entitled to free school meals can collect a Grab Bag from their own school, between noon and 12:30pm daily.

In secondary schools from Wednesday to Friday, Lunch Grab Bags will be the menu option for all pupils attending school.

From Monday, August 17 hot and cold food and drinks will be available.

Again pupils who are not scheduled to attend school and are entitled to free school meals can collect a Grab Bag from their own school, between noon and 12:30pm daily.

Lunch Grab Bags will be available for all children attending ELCs there will be Lunch Grab Bags available.

A review of this provision and when the service can resume the standard three-week menu cycle will be undertaken in September.

Full details on the return to school can be found on the council’s website here

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