24th November 2021
On 22 November 2021 the Scottish Government made more changes to its COVID-19 guidance for schools.
These changes include:
- The Childsmile oral health improvement programme and the National Dental Inspection Programme will resume.
- Highlighting the importance of carrying out risk assessments when supporting children and young people with additional support needs.
- Clarification of mitigations on private hire school transport where physical distancing is not possible ie young people over 12 should wear face masks, windows should be open if possible.
- School uniforms: Given the need for effective ventilation during the winter months, schools and local authorities should consider the use of less restrictive uniform policies to help ensure that children and young people can stay warm in school buildings and the increased use of carbon dioxide (CO2) measuring.
Updates to guidance on school trips
- International trips can now take place with appropriate mitigations. However, organisers should undertake a risk-based assessment to consider whether such trips would be appropriate on a case-by-case basis, including in light of their local circumstances and wider guidance on international travel.
- Domestic school trips are permitted, including day visits to residential outdoor education centres and overnight and multiple night residential stays, with appropriate mitigations. There are no longer any limits on overnight tent/dorm occupancy.
Previous mitigations such as face coverings in secondary schools, avoiding large scale gatherings such as assemblies, physical distancing will continue for the time being.
PLEASE NOTE: Under already-existing guidance:
'Parents/carers may attend school premises where this is agreed with the school and is considered necessary to support children and young people. Where it is considered beneficial, parents/carers may also attend school premises for individual parental visits related to the wellbeing, progress and behaviour of children. All such visits should be risk assessed and agreed in advance by schools as being necessary a proportionate measure.'
And parent groups can already meet in schools if necessary:
'Where it is considered necessary for the smooth functioning of these activities, Parent Councils and Parent Teacher Associations may now meet on school premises. Such meetings should be risk assessed in advance and attendees should comply with the physical distancing and safety requirements within the school. Where virtual arrangements for these engagements are already in place and working well, the default should be that these should continue to be used.'
You can read the full guidance here