4th August 2020
Last updated 2 Nov 2020
Please note: this guidance may adapt or change and there will be local variation in some settings.
The Advisory Sub-Group on Education and Children’s Issues has provided new guidance on face coverings, physical distancing and related matters. You can read the full guidance here.
The full Scottish Government Guidance for Reducing Risks in Schools is available here.
As at 2 November 2020, the Scottish Government implemented a tier system of local COVID-19 protections. You can find out the level of your local area and what this means you should and shouldn't do here. Tier levels range from Level 0 (almost normal) to 4 (similar to lockdown but schools should remain open)
You can find the previous Scottish Government Guidance and a Summary document on Preparing for the Start of the New Term in August 2020 here.
The National Parent Forum of Scotland’s parent-version is here (23 pages).
Key Information
Local authorities and schools/nurseries are using the Scottish Government guidance to develop their own arrangements and plans so you will hear directly from your school (or local authority).
The standard guidance should be followed by all areas, with some additional measures for those under Levels 3 and 4.
Schools should remain open under all Levels, though there may be circumstances where individual schools will need to close or implement remote learning for some children and young people.
Risk assessments are to be carried out and cleaning protocols set out for different areas of nurseries/schools and different activities/stages of the day. Health and safety information will be shared with parents and pupils.
Local outbreaks of COVID-19 will be managed under Test and Protect arrangements and local authority COVID-19 plans. Nurseries and schools will be able to access testing.
Families with children or adults who have been shielding or who are clinically vulnerable should speak to their school for advice and support. Under Levels 0 to 2 children who had been shielding can continue to attend school and follow the general advice, under Level 3 parents should discuss with their GP if their child should still attend, and under Level 4 shielding children should not attend in person.
General Principles
Physical Distancing and Face Coverings
- Adults will physically distance from one another and young people, and where this is not possible, they will wear face coverings (with exceptions for adults working with very young children, P1-2, or those with additional support needs, but other mitigation measures should take place)
- See below for Physical Distancing information by sector (nursery, primary, secondary) as the guidance varies
- All adults in primary schools, and adults and pupils in secondary schools are to wear face coverings when moving around the school, such as corridors or other areas where it is hard to keep a distance from others.
- Parents and others should wear face coverings when visiting the school, and when they are dropping off and picking up their children.
- Anyone can choose to wear a face covering in any part of the school if they wish
- At Levels 3 and 4, all staff and pupils in the senior phase should wear face coverings in classrooms
Cleaning and Ventilation
- Toilets and areas used by different groups of people will be cleaned more frequently and physical distancing may be advised
- There will be enhanced cleaning and hygiene procedures (cleaning of buildings and hand-washing/use of sanitiser by all). Frequently touched surfaces eg desks are to be cleaned at least twice a day and pupils may be asked to wipe down desks if they are moving from one classroom to another
- Ventilating of rooms is important– eg doors and windows of classrooms will be kept open
Movement, Spaces and Groups
- Movement between spaces/classrooms will be minimised/controlled eg one way systems, double blocks of subjects in secondary schools
- Children/young people will be kept in class groups wherever possible
- Playtimes/lunchtimes may be staggered and arranged by class
- Increased outdoor learning
- Arrangements for practical subjects and activities such as cooking and singing will be made locally
- PE arrangements will vary – your school will let you know about this
- Large group gatherings (above 50) such as assemblies, shows etc will not take place at present
Equipment and Uniform
- Washable uniform is recommended by some local authorities and schools ie no blazers. Uniform does NOT have to be washed every day. If you need help with laundry, speak to your school
- Children and young people should, unless advised otherwise, bring their usual equipment into school (pencils, pens, paper, water bottle etc) but should not share them
- Library books will be quarantined for 72 hours
Parents/Carers and Nursery/School
- Parents/carers will not be able to go into schools/nurseries unless it is essential, and should wear face coverings if they do enter the school
- Parents/carers should wear face coverings when dropping off and picking up their children from the school
- Nurseries and schools will need to find different ways to engage with parents eg for parent consultations and for communication
- Breakfast clubs, after school clubs and other out of school time activities may run so long as guidance is followed. Non-essential activities or clubs will need to pause if your area is under Level 4.
- Parents who choose to keep their children at home should contact their school and the local authority home education office
Nursery and Primary School
- Children will not have to physically distance from one another
- Adults can comfort children in nursery and will not have to physically distance from nursery children
- Adults and children in primary need to try and physically distance from each other (2m) but this does not have to apply for younger children (P1 and P2) and those with additional support needs who may need personal care
Secondary Schools
- Scientific evidence is less clear for secondary schools for pupils aged 12 and above so physical distancing is encouraged between pupils and one another (especially those in the Senior Phase ie S4, 5, 6), between pupils (so no hugs with friends!) and staff and between staff. However, education must not be impacted so this is an aim, not a requirement
Travelling to School and Drop Off/Pick Up
- Staggered start times in the mornings (to spread out the numbers arriving)
- On public and school transport, the usual public transport COVID-19 practices apply ie wear a face covering and distance as much as possible
- Parents and children/young people are encouraged to walk/scooter/cycle whenever possible, as this is the healthiest and COVID-safest way to get to school/nursery
- Those who have to drive children to school should park some distance away from school to avoid congestion and to maintain social distancing
- Parents will be advised by their school/nursery about drop off and pick up arrangements, so that adults can maintain social distancing around the school gates
- Parents/carers should wear face coverings when dropping off and picking up their children from the school
Your family’s health
You should monitor your family’s health as usual and continue with hand washing and other controls you use now, and be vigilant for signs of COVID-19. You can find NHS guidance here.