Parents updated today on next phase of Highland pupils return

A letter has been distributed today to update parents and carers on the next phase of the re-opening of schools in Highland. The Scottish Government announced last week that more pupils are to return to school from Monday 15 March.

A large amount of work has been ongoing in educational settings across Highland to prepare for the increase in numbers as more pupils are eligible to return to in-school learning.

Chair of the Education Committee, Cllr John Finlayson said: “It is encouraging that we are able to progress with the safe and careful return of more of our pupils. We have updated parents and carers today on our authority wide position on the next phase of Highland’s re-opening of schools.”

The implementation of the next phase of school’s return is being led by individual schools in order to provide flexibility and to support the individual circumstances of each setting.

Cllr Finlayson added: “Your school will be in touch directly over the next couple of days with local arrangements and detailed information on their plans for Monday. These will take into consideration the number of pupils based on accommodation, safety, transport and other relevant judgements that support the national guidelines prior to their safe return next week.

“I am looking forward to seeing a full return of all of our pupils when we receive confirmation from the Scottish Government that it is safe to do so.”

The letter confirms the Council’s position on Primary, Secondary and Special Schools return. This also includes the authority-wide position on transport, schools meals and clinically vulnerable children and young people.

A copy of the letter is available on The Highland Council’s website.