Tayside councils have been reacting to the announcement that all of Scotland’s schools and nurseries will close as of Friday due to the coronavirus pandemic.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said that the strain on staff across the country was so high that pupils would have to stay home from the start of next week.
Mrs Sturgeon told the Edinburgh press conference: “My point of view is that it is now inevitable that we will close schools and nurseries. And my planning assumption now is that schools will close to pupils at the end of this week and I wanted today to give parents notice of that now.”
And local authorities have been reacting to the announcement.
Dundee
Dundee City Council says it will ensure school pupils can continue to work from home during the long coronavirus shutdown.
The local authority wants to ensure children are not deprived of essential learning time and has been making preparations ahead of First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s announcement.
The council’s children and families service convener, Stewart Hunter, said: “While we are awaiting the full details of these closures, we are looking at a number of ways to support pupils with their education.
“Homework packs for primary pupils and online resources for secondary pupils are being made available, while we are making full use of the online Glow system.
“We will particularly be putting in place measures to support pupils who are due to sit exams, vulnerable young people and children of emergency service workers.
“We understand that this announcement will have childcare implications for many families across the city, and we are working hard to help them through this extremely challenging time.
“Further details will follow in due course.”
Perth and Kinross
Meanwhile Perth and Kinross Council says it has been prepared for the school closures, and added that its priority will be helping students who are preparing for exams.
Scottish Government has announced that schools are to close from this Friday. We have been planning for this and working to prioritise learning from home, particularly for pupils studying for SQA exams. https://t.co/zcwOzHjNDv
— Perth & Kinross Council (@PerthandKinross) March 18, 2020
A statement on the local authority’s website reads: “(The) Scottish Government has announced that all schools will close from the end of the school day on Friday, March 20 until further notice.
“We have plans in place to continue learning at home, prioritising pupils studying for SQA exams. Check your child’s school website and social media accounts for updates.
“Perth High School will be open on Thursday and Friday.”
Fife
Fife Council’s executive director of education Carrie Lindsay said: “This is not a decision that was taken lightly and we understand the challenges this poses for many parents and carers but the well-being of all those in our communities is a priority.
“Our schools and early learning centres have been planning for this and we have been working closely with our headteachers to make sure that some form of learning can continue in these circumstances.
“Schools have access to a wide range of online resources and children have been shown how to access these from home.
“We know that many families rely on our education facilities for more than learning.
“We are putting plans in place to try to keep this support available for our most vulnerable pupils, those sitting exams and children of those who work in front line services.
“We will have more details on the closure on Thursday and will be providing all our parents and carers with more information then, along with guidance for our pupils due to sit SQA exams this year.”
Angus
Angus education convener Derek Wann said last night that more information on the plan with regards school closures should be available later today or early Friday.
He said: “Now more than ever, being able to stay fully connected to our families, friends and colleagues is vital to all of us and I would urge everyone to ensure that we speak to family, friends and neighbours as often as possible and when possible make arrangements to ensure the most vulnerable are kept supplied with necessities.
“As you will have heard the decision today has been made by the First Minister to close schools as of Friday – I will again keep you posted on the latest advice on what Angus Council will have in place – more should be available tomorrow afternoon/Friday am.”
He urged everyone to look after themselves and others and if they have any concerns regarding Angus Council services to get in touch.
