Parents in Perth and Kinross are being ask to disclose their October holiday plans in an effort to prevent further Covid-19 outbreaks when lessons resume.
The plea from headteachers comes after some families returned from summer holidays in quarantined countries but sent their children to school instead of going into self-isolation.
In some cases, it was several days into the new term before teachers became aware of where their pupils had spent the break.
Education chiefs now want to build a database so they know of any children who should stay at home when school restarts in mid-October.
Parents of secondary and primary pupils are being asked to let their school know if they plan to go abroad, to which country they are going and their outward and return travel dates.
The local authority has promised not to share the information with any third party.
A council spokesman said: “We understand many families will want to get away during the October holidays after spending the summer in lockdown.
“Scottish Government guidance states schools should have arrangements in place to identify and support children who may need to self-isolate. They are also asked to engage with children, young people and their families to ensure rules around quarantine or self-isolation are followed.”
He said: “As such, we are asking all parents and carers to inform us of any plans for foreign travel for which quarantine restrictions may apply upon their return.
“This information will not be shared anywhere else but will help ensure the safety of our pupils and staff when schools return after the October holidays.”
The move has been welcomed by local MSP and Education Secretary John Swinney.
“Across Perthshire, we’ve been fortunate to see strong levels of communication between headteachers and parents.
“This dialogue has played a key role in ensuring that both parents and pupils are comfortable with the re-opening of schools, whilst also being cognisant of their individual responsibilities.
“To continue our battle against Covid across the region, it is important that headteachers and parents continue to proactively engage with each other.
“I am thankful for the continued efforts of both groups as we seek to ensure that the lives and learning opportunities of our young people are disrupted as little as possible in the months ahead.”
Conservative councillor Caroline Shiers, lifelong learning convener, added: “A huge amount of effort is being put in by schools to manage any situations where children or young people have to self-isolate to ensure that they are able to carry on with their learning at home.
“I have had really encouraging updates about how schools are preparing for these scenarios and would thank all our staff across Perth and Kinross for their efforts with this important work.”
The school term in Perth and Kinross began with two positive cases at Newhill Primary in Blairgowrie and Oakbank Primary in Perth.
On Sunday, NHS Tayside confirmed two suspected cases – linked to a positive infection – in St Madoes Primary School.
