Scotland sets out phase two of school return

All remaining primary school children in Scotland are set to return to school full-time from 15 March, with all secondary pupils returning on a part-time basis from that date.

Childcare, including breakfast and after-school clubs, for primary pupils will also re-start on 15 March.

From 15 March, all secondary pupils will receive both high quality remote learning and some in-school teaching. Councils will decide how to safely balance in-school learning based on local circumstances and needs.

Senior phase students (S4-S6) who are taking national qualifications will have priority for face-to-face lessons in school.

Updated schools safety guidance to support the phased return will be published next week and Education Scotland will develop practical guidance for schools, which will be also published shortly.

Local authorities will be encouraged to support young people’s wellbeing in other ways - for example, by providing more opportunities for outdoor learning.

Colleges, who can have up to 5% of learners on campus at any one time, will also be able to prioritise senior phase pupils.

The plans are conditional on continued progress on suppressing coronavirus (COVID-19).

All pupils are expected to return to full-time schooling after Easter, subject to continued suppression of the virus.