Coronavirus: Schools in Scotland to fully reopen after summer break, Nicola Sturgeon confirms

Nicola Sturgeon
Nicola Sturgeon says some schools may open earlier than others. Credit: PA

Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed schools in Scotland will return on a full-time basis after the summer break.

But with pupils having been away from school for almost five months, she said some councils may adopt a phased approach to the return.

The First Minister said: “It is a moral and educational imperative that we get children back to school as soon as is safely possible.

“In fact, a key reason for our cautious approach to lockdown over the last two months and over the next few weeks, is a determination to drive the virus down and keep prevalence low, so that schools can reopen in August.

“I am therefore pleased to confirm today that schools will return from August 11.

“Given how long children have been out of school, some local authorities may opt for a phased return over the first few days.

“But we expect all pupils to be at school full-time from August 18 at the latest.”

Classrooms are being adapted to accommodate social distancing. Credit: PA

To help schools, Ms Sturgeon announced extra cash to recruit more teachers and for measures such as enhanced cleaning.

“I can also confirm that – in addition to the £45 million previously announced – we will make a further £30 million available to support the recruitment of additional teachers," Ms Sturgeon said.

“We anticipate that this total investment of £75 million will enable the recruitment of around 1,400 extra teachers.

“In addition, will invest a further £30 million – on top of £20 million already announced – as part of a £50 million education recovery fund for local authorities.

“This will support extra cleaning, facilities management, school transport and other practical measures that are vital in ensuring a safe return to school.”

Ms Sturgeon said the prevalence of coronavirus in Scotland is now at “very low levels” – saying it was estimated that last week just 300 people were infectious.

The latest modelling also shows the R number – the average number of people infected by each person with Covid-19 – remains below one, she added.

But despite this “substantial” and “hard-earned” progress, the First Minister said the virus was still circulating.

As a result of that, she said Scotland could not yet move into the fourth and final phase of easing lockdown restrictions

Ms Sturgeon said: “A move to phase four would require us to be satisfied that the virus is no longer considered a significant threat to public health.

“Unfortunately that is far from the case.”

Ms Sturgeon said non-essential offices should remain closed until at least September 14 – and possibly later.

Furthermore, it was announced that sports stadia could reopen from September 14 “for limited numbers of spectators, with physical distancing in place” and it is hoped the same could happen with entertainment and cultural venues.

“Some professional sports events may be arranged for spectators before then – with Scottish Government agreement – to test the safety of any new arrangements.”