Pupils in Scotland begin returning to school

Schools in Scotland begin reopening today for the first time that lockdown began.

Borders and Shetland schools are the first to reopen with most others following on Wednesday.

Councils have been given some flexibility over when schools open, however all schools are expected to be fully open by 18 August.

All age groups will return in the Scottish Borders on Tuesday - a week earlier than the normal start of term - but most councils have opted for a phased approach, for instance by having youngest pupils return first.

Schools open with ygiene and safety measures in place, and while there is no requirement for physical distancing between pupils, teachers should remain 2m apart from students or other adults.

Older secondary pupils are also encouraged to maintain distancing where possible if this does not hinder the return to full-time learning.

There is no general requirement to wear face coverings although staff and pupils can do so voluntarily.

School buses are treated as part of the school building, so normal distancing or face covering rules do not apply to pupils, but they will have to sanitise their hands prior to boarding.