Falkirk Council reveal return to school plans

Pupils will return to the classroom as planned from Wednesday, August 12 with the phased arrangements previously announced.

However, all pupils will be in full-time attendance by Monday, August 17.

This is a week earlier than Falkirk Council had previously planned with Robert Naylor, director of children’s services, saying preparations were being made for a two-week ‘soft return’.

But this afternoon First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said it was anticipated all children would be back in full-time education by August 17.

Staff will return for two in-service days on Monday, August 10.

Primary One children will start school on Thursday, August 13.

All other primary children will return on their previously notified dates.

The start dates for secondary pupils for the first week of term will be revised. Schools will communicate these changes directly to parents.

All ELC establishments will fully re-open to returning children from Wednesday,August 12.

Further information will be made available about arrangements for home to school transport and school meal provision from the start of next week.

School return plans change

Councillor Cecil Meiklejohn, leader of Falkirk Council said: “We have been working hard to prepare for this announcement earlier today from the First Minister. It gives parents, carers and pupils reassurance and clarity for us as we reopen our schools.

“We are currently finalising the very practical arrangements that need to be put in place for staff and pupils prior to their return.

”Pupils will be returning to a very different environment when they return but both their safety and that of those working in schools must come first.

“We know and appreciate that the past few months have been a long and tiring experience for everyone involved.

“Parents will receive more detailed information in the very near future direct from their schools.”

The council has already texted parents a link to the Falkirk Council website with full details which can be found here

Pupils were last in school on Friday, March 20 before the lockdown began.

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