Linda McAulay-Griffiths said: “We acknowledge the statement by Deputy First Minister John Swinney this afternoon regarding the aspiration of a full-time return of pupils to school in August.

The Deputy First Minister has been clear that this will be predicated on further data and scientific advice, and that further guidance will be issued nationally that will then be enacted at local authority level.

Our priority in our planning for schools return has always been the safety of our staff, children and young people and it will be important to be assured on how a full return will be achieved in a way that recognises this.

The central education team will await the full guidance and will enact this accordingly, in consultation with all interested parties, as soon as it is received.

Individual schools will not be in a position to publish adapted plans until further information becomes available. Communications to parents and carers will continue over the Summer break to ensure that they are kept fully informed and updated on plans to return.

As always, we look forward to welcoming our young people back to school in a safe and measured manner.”

 

Statement from Linda McAulay-Griffiths (Head of Education, East Ayrshire Council)