Should Nicola Sturgeon reopen schools in Scotland? Southern Reporter readers have their say

With First Minister Nicola Sturgeon expected to announce later today whether schools can open their doors in February, here’s what you think.

Bena Pendragon, one of the many parents juggling work with home schooling, is prepared for any eventuality: “I am working from home five days a week and home schooling my son three days a week (co-parenting). He misses his friends and at times it can be difficult dealing with work and the home schooling but I will say that the support from his school and teacher has been outstanding. Whatever the decision as long as my son is happy in what he is doing then I am fine with it and we will cope. I also understand that for some it is incredibly difficult and hopefully extra support measures can be put in place.”

Nicky Kelly is also happy to continue if it helps tackle the Covid pandemic: “Home schooling four primary kids here andhopefully they go back, but i think the infection rates are too high still and I’m happy to home school. We’re doing really well with it.”

But others, including Emma Robson, what their children back in school: “They need to go back to school, end of. This home schooling is no good for any parent.”

Meanwhile, Julie Sorrie is hoping for at least a partial reopening: “Not all parents can home school due to work so maybe if they they could open schools for a three day week, or even if you could collect work from school.”

The question of whether vaccinations could smooth reopening was addressed by Dot Baird: “I would like to see teachers vacinated twice for their protection before schools return.”

Kai Ivalo agrees: “It’s simple – vaccinate the teachers first.”

And Rosemary Frizzel thinks teachers should be at the front of the queue for the vaccine: “It should be front line workers, teachers, then shop workers and factory workers in my option.”

Lowe Anthony-James has a very different take, believing schools shouldn’t have been open anyway: “I don't think this school year should have gone ahead full stop. The councils and government have put zero thought into anything to keep things going in place of it.”

Finally, Alison Turnbull perhaps speaks for many parents: “I seriously hope they reopen as I can't cope with anymore of this stress. I have two in high school and one at primary school and am cracking up.”