Nicola Sturgeon has announced that schools in Scotland will open again as normal following the Christmas holidays.
The First Minister has made it clear from the outset of the Omicron variant that she doesn't want to close schools during the spread of the virus.
During a statement to MSPs in the Scottish Parliament the SNP leader said it has been another hard terms for pupils in the education system.
It comes as Sturgeon announced new restrictions on stadiums and outdoor events in Scotland from December 26.
She told MSPs: "It remains our priority to re-open schools as normal after the holidays.
"Indeed, one reason for asking adults to make sacrifices for a further period after Christmas is to help minimise any impact on children’s education.
"However, to help ensure that schools are safe environments for young people and staff, updated guidance based on the recommendations of the Education Advisory Sub-Group was published at the end of last week.
"Colleges and universities are also assessing any steps they need to take for the new term, and some are returning to a default model of online learning for the start of the new term.
"For everyone involved in education – staff, children, students and parents – this has been another exceptionally difficult term.
"I want to say a heartfelt thank you to all those who have ensured that children have been well supported, and to children and young people themselves for the tough times they continue to endure."
To sign up to the Daily Record Politics newsletter, click here.
