Local politicians have welcomed planned return to Stirling schools.
Stirling MSP Bruce Crawford and MP Alyn Smith have welcomed the announcement from the Scottish Education Secretary John Swinney last month that schools are to aim to return to full time hours come August.
However, the Education Secretary has explained that this will be dependent on the continued progress of decreasing the spread of COVID-19.
Stirling MSP Bruce Crawford said: “This is a welcome, cautious approach from the Scottish Government. As we are beginning to open up parts of our economy, for many parents, juggling work and looking after the kids is bound to become increasingly difficult.
“However, achieving this target is entirely dependent on supressing the virus to levels in which it is safe to do so. Therefore it is vital that we all pay close attention to the guidance and restrictions in place so that we can get to this August date for reopening our schools full time.”
Stirling MP Alyn Smith said: “Stirling Council and education staff have been doing tremendous work in supporting pupils and parents through this crisis. Getting children back into schools as soon as we can is vital for their development and life chances and opportunities.
“However, we want to do this safely. On top of the work that’s already been done, local authorities now need to consider how they can safely educate pupils on site and full time. There are a range of options to be looked at and myself and Bruce Crawford stand ready to be helpful wherever we can be.”
Additionally, a blended model of home and school learning is currently being developed as a contingency plan, in case public health advice determine it would be a safer approach.
Image credit: Stirling SNP
