Pupils set for phased return

A phased return for pupils later this month has been welcomed by Scottish Borders Council leader Shona Haslam.
Pupils are set for a phased return to school from February 22, beginning with younger children up to primary 3.Pupils are set for a phased return to school from February 22, beginning with younger children up to primary 3.
Pupils are set for a phased return to school from February 22, beginning with younger children up to primary 3.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced this week that all P1-3 pupils, as well as those in early learning and childcare, can return to schools from February 22, while some senior secondary pupils will also attend school on a limited basis to allow them to complete work for national qualifications.

Mrs Sturgeon told the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday that she wanted to see children back in full-time, face to face education as quickly as possible, and said that children were experiencing challenges as regards mental health and development while not in school, and mentioned the pressure put on working parents due to school closures.

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However, she said that the need to keep pupils and staff safe while the country is still in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic meant that options for reopening schools were limited.

She said: "The judgment the cabinet arrived at this morning, based on the advice of our expert advisers, is that if we all agree to abide with the lockdown restrictions for a bit longer – so that our progress in suppressing the virus continues – we can begin a phased, albeit gradual, return to school from February 22."

Leader of the council, Mrs Haslam said: “The reopening of schools is a huge priority for us and it is encouraging to be able to talk about some pupils returning as early as February 22.

“We will do all we can to ensure our school buildings remain safe places for both staff and young people to attend and we have all necessary risk assessments, processes and procedures in place to keep the schools COVID-free.

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“While we are just looking at a partial reopening at this stage we remain in a really positive position to be able to provide digital learning for those not returning to school just yet through our Inspire Learning programme.

“I would once again like to thank all of our young people, parents and staff for their co-operation, flexibility and hard work during this challenging period.

"We will be in touch with all affected parents as soon as we can to let them know about arrangements.”