Scotland's youngest school pupils will return to their classrooms on February 22.
Nicola Sturgeon has just confirmed that primaries one, two and three will be the first to go back as part of the Scottish Government's phased return plan. Early years centres will also reopen.
A limited number of secondary school pupils will also be allowed back to complete practical work for qualifications that can only be done in the classroom.
All other children will be expected to continue with remote learning for now. Further information will be released in two weeks time.
Speaking in the Scottish Parliament this afternoon the First Minister said: "It is a statement of the obvious that all of us want to see children back in full-time, face to face education just as soon as possible.
"The closure of school premises to most pupils right now is necessary, unfortunately, in the interests of protecting the country from the harm of this virus.
"But evidence of the wider health, developmental and social harms being experienced by children concern all of us.
"I am also acutely aware of the pressure school closures is putting on working parents and on family life more generally."
The move has prompted a reaction from union leaders, who warn that safety of staff and student must be paramount.
Lorraine Thomson from Unison said: "Employers must ensure that risk assessments are taking place, that staff are aware of these assessments and are trained so that they can work safely. Proper implementation of appropriate mitigations is the only way to keep staff, children and the wider community safe.
"Unison reps have been working throughout the pandemic supporting members in education. Ensuring that their health and safety is a priority. Members who see that guidelines are not being followed should contact their branch to ensure that appropriate action can be taken."
Ms Sturgeon was speaking after a meeting of her Cabinet also agreed to extend lockdown until at least the end of February.
