Scots parents have reacted to Nicola Sturgeon's announcement that schoolchildren will not be repeating the academic year.
Schools are closed to the majority of children until at least the middle of February due to concerns over coronavirus levels.
The timetable of closures will be reviewed in the first week of February.
However at yesterday's media briefing the First Minister addressed to rumours that pupils might face having to retake their current school year, saying the Scottish Government had 'no plans' in place for that to happen.
She said: "Sturgeon said: “We have no plans at the moment to ask young people to repeat a year.
“We continue to look at all ways in which we can support young people during a very difficult time. And the SQA, Education Scotland, the Government of course keep the whole issue under review on an ongoing basis.
However, the First Minister's response has come as a blow for some parents who insist all children should be given the chance to repeat the work they've missed.
One parent said: "Yes I feel primary 7 and primary 1 have missed so much moving on and, also introduction to school and secondary I would be elated if my p7 could have a normal school year before moving to High School. I don't think she will be ready to move up not just academically but socially also."
Another mum agreed, saying: "With a p2 who missed the majority of P1 and a P7 who is now missing the majority of his last year at primary I totally agree. It needs to be across the board though, as much as I would happily defer my children I wouldn't do it to the detriment of them leaving friendship groups or feeling they are being singled out."
Another parent said her primary school-aged son is struggling and would benefit from repeating the year. She said: "It’s a yes from me my sons in primary 2 and with missing a lot last year been off twice due to having to isolate then this : he’s missed far too much and I’m struggling he needs help with his letters and writing and getting upset me doing it with , they should just get the pressure off the parents , teachers and kids and start again next year."
However other parents branded the idea 'ridiculous' saying it would be impossible to implement.
One mum said: "Totally ridiculous it wouldn't work. It's not fair on the little ones when they start nursery/primary school they will be late starters, plus these children are still learning online and keyworkers children are going to school, so what age are they expected to leave school?"
Another agreed: "I honestly can’t see how they can do this what about kids starting nursery? Those that were deferred, kids starting p1, starting high school and going onto further education, how does that all work? The whole situation is a shambles what ever is done there will be children who suffer."
Another said: "No, how do I begin to explain that to my autistic son? He is doing work every day to keep up and just wouldn't understand or cope with repeating."
Another parent said the kids caught up after the last lockdown and would do the same this time too. She said: "Look at all last years p7 kids. They lost so much time and went on to S1 and I know a good majority settled in fine from august till lockdown there. They will be fine without doing a repeat year."
