‘Blended’ approach to learning

In what is a complex logistical exercise, head teachers continue to develop individual recovery plans for their schools that meet Government and NHS Public Health guidance, supported by the council’s Education team.

Joint council leader Vaughan Moody explained: “Whilst a number of key principles are informing our approach to recovery planning, first and foremost is the health, safety and wellbeing of staff and children.

“All of our school recovery plans include measures to support physical distancing and ways to mitigate the risk of infection and transmission of Covid-19.

“An early priority has been to assess the capacity of our schools, taking account of the need to use two metre distancing for all learning spaces and schools are being supported in their recovery planning by a wide range of council teams, including Health & Safety and Assets & Property.”

Fellow joint council leader Andrew Polson continued: “In our primary schools, children will be in small, consistent groups as younger children can find physical distancing difficult and this approach supports cooperative group work.

“Outdoor learning will also be planned for all classes and, recognising the challenges of a blended approach to learning, head teachers are working to ensure that family groups attend school on the same day.

“Planning is more complex in secondary schools, as it is not possible to create small, consistent groups. Once capacity is established with physical distancing in all secondary learning spaces, a timetable will be put in place for attendance for each year group.

“Further support for home learning is also being developed, particularly for those young people who are studying for their national qualifications in 2020/21.”

In all schools, a robust risk assessment will be in place, and there will be a common approach in all schools with the provision of hand sanitisers, cleaning materials and signage to reinforce social distancing and the hygiene requirements.

There will also be training for all staff when schools reopen in August.

Schools are currently working with their Parent Council to take on board views of parents and carers as plans are being implemented.

Councillor Moody added: “It is important to emphasise that a flexible approach is required to meet the continually changing situation in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic and we may have to adapt our plans to changing guidance during the new school session.

“We again thank all parents and carers for their understanding and patience as we plan and implement what are very complex arrangements.”

In relation to transition visits, Councillor Polson confirmed: “Now that the Government has confirmed permission for transition visits to proceed, these will be organised by head teachers for those children who are due to start in Primary 1 and those transferring from primary to secondary school.

“Parents will be contacted by their child’s school as soon as details have been finalised.”

Schools will provide more detailed information on their plans to their community before the end of June and throughout the summer.