Published on:
21
May 2020
The First Minister’s announcement today (Thursday) about the reopening of schools and Early Years establishments in August has been welcomed by Clackmannanshire Council’s Education Service.
Plans by the Service’s leadership team for the safe return of pupils and staff are already well advanced.
In line with Nicola Sturgeon’s announcement, teaching and other education staff in Clackmannanshire will be able to return to work in June to prepare for the start of the new term on 11th of August.
However the return of pupils and staff will take a phased approach and risk assessments will be a crucial part of the work carried out in each education and early years establishment before this takes place. All guidance issued by the Scottish Government will be followed.
When schools in Clackmannanshire do reopen, pupils will be supported to progress their learning through a “blended” approach which will involve in-school learning, online learning and making use of other resources provided by schools and Early Years establishments.
Schools and Early Years establishments will share information about their learning approach and support via their website or social media channels.
Cllr Graham Lindsay, the Council’s Education Convener, said:
"This has been unprecedented times and our staff have been working exceptionally hard in very difficult circumstances to ensure that our young people in Clackmannanshire are continuing to progress in their education despite the circumstances.
"The safety and wellbeing of our staff and pupils remains a priority for us. We have already been working on how we can maintain this when education and early years establishments are allowed to reopen so the First Minister’s statement today means we are in a good place to reopen establishments from 11 August.
"As our plans progress, we will continue to work in partnership with parents, children and young people as well as our partners. We appreciate the support and patience we have received from parents and carers as we work through the various challenges we have had to face."
Parents, carers and pupils are reminded to regularly check FLIPClacks at https://flipclacks.org/ or Clackmannanshire Council’s own website https://www.clacks.gov.uk/social/coronavirus4/ for the latest updates.
You can read the Scottish Government's framework for reopening schools, early learning and childcare provision here.