24 June 2020
Dear Parent/Carer
On Tuesday (23 June), the Deputy First Minister announced to the Scottish Parliament that the Scottish Government is now aiming for the full return of children and young people to schools in August, subject to ongoing COVID-19 scientific and health advice.
Following our letter to you dated 9 June, you will be aware that teachers, early years practitioners and other staff have been returning to schools and other early learning and childcare settings in small groups since the start of the month, to plan and prepare for the re-opening of schools and nurseries in compliance with current Scottish Government guidance.
While we are now working towards a return to full-time schooling, we have also put in place, as required by the Scottish Government, contingency plans for a blended learning model, with pupils attending school and nursery on some days and learning at home on others.
We hope these plans do not need to be put into practice, but it is important you are aware of these arrangements and know we are prepared for all eventualities in these uncertain times. Individual schools and nurseries will provide you with more specific details this week and in the weeks ahead.
We can now confirm that we are planning for schools to re-open for pupils on Wednesday 12 August, with the preceding two days (10 and 11 August) allocated as in-service days for staff.
As we come towards the end of the academic session, we want to recognise the wonderful achievements and commitment to learning of Stirling’s children and young people during this period. As we emerge from this difficult period, we are looking forward to welcoming all children and young people back to our schools and nurseries, ensuring they continue to receive the highest quality of care and learning.
We are fully aware this has been a tough and uncertain time for families throughout the Stirling Council area and we thank you again, as parents and carers, for your incredible support, understanding and resilience.
We also want to recognise the massive efforts and commitment of our teams in schools and nurseries, as well as our central teams, who have worked tirelessly during this period of time to ensure that our children and young people have been offered a range of learning experiences, as well as preparing our schools and nurseries for return in August.
This remains a fast-moving and challenging situation and the Council, along with our schools and nurseries, recognise the importance of keeping you regularly updated.
To keep track of the latest updates, and for support services and helpline numbers, please use our dedicated education, children and families resource on the Stirling Council website: www.stirling.gov.uk/learning-education/coronavirus-education-updates
Regards
Kevin Kelman Chief Operating Officer (People) & Chief Education Officer