Covid-19 matters: the return of S4-S6 to school
The return to school will be confirmed, depending on the clinical evidence, by the First Minister in her fortnightly update to Parliament on Tuesday next week. She will also in this statement set out plans for the next phase of school reopening, again dependent upon the clinical evidence regarding the level of virus control. Scottish Government planned to publish two documents today (Friday) to support and guide the return to school:
- Arrangements for the phased reopening of schools in February/March 2021 –supplementary guidance. This document will have the changes from the previous guidance clearly highlighted for ease of access and understanding.
- Prioritising the return of senior phase learners. Technical guidance for providing senior phase practical work in-school. This document will set out clearly which pupils, and under which circumstances, should be returning to school.
The supplementary guidance on the phased reopening of schools has been delayed and it is now anticipated that it will be published on Monday morning.
What has been issued today 12th February:
By Education Scotland:
CERG guidance | COVID-19 education recovery | National Improvement Hub
This guidance ( document available here) has been prepared by Education Scotland, working with partners, to provide clarity and support for local authorities and secondary schools on providing arrangements for small groups of senior phase learners to return to school.
By the Scottish Government
Coronavirus (COVID19): Advisory Sub-Group on Education and Children’s Issues – advice on mitigations to minimise transmission of COVID-19 during phased return to in-person learning
Below is the link to the advisory note from the Advisory Sub-Group on Education and Children’s Issues providing advice on mitigations to minimise transmission of COVID-19 during phased return to in-person learning in schools and early learning and childcare (ELC) settings.
In conclusion we await the final piece of advice that will allow our school to provide greater clarity on the plan for the return of the S4-S6 students. Once I have that final piece of information (now delayed until Monday 15th February) I will share it immediately with parents and our students.
We have a prepared a draft timetable for the limited return of S4-S6 students. This limited return of learners is for the purpose of completing the learning and teaching of critical practical work in relation to qualifications in 2021 that can only be carried out in school – please see the Educations Scotland document reference above for details or here.
Once we receive the supplementary guidance on the phased reopening of schools we will confirm specific arrangements subject to confirmation by the First Minister’s statement on 16 February and scheduled to be from the week commencing 22 February 2021.
My deepest thanks for your support at this time.
John Docherty
Head Teacher
