South Lanarkshire Council has confirmed plans for the re-opening of schools and nurseries after the festive break.
Following the Scottish Government’s latest guidance, the holiday period will be extended for most pupils by one week, followed by a period of online learning.
Schools and nurseries will reopen as follows:
Schools
Wednesday, January 6: No pupils to attend.
Thursday, January 7: The children of designated key workers who have no alternative childcare will return, with schools making contact with families whose children may require access for other reasons.
Existing transport arrangements will be in place from January 7.
Monday, January 11: Pupils begin a week of online learning. Schools will be in touch with parents/carers to explain how this will work.
Monday, January 18: Plans are for pupils to return to school.
Nurseries
Tuesday, January 5: Standalone nurseries – Children of designated key workers with no alternative childcare will return, with nurseries making contact with individual families whose children may require access for other reasons. Existing transport arrangements will be in place from January 5.
Children who attend a funded provider should check with them for opening arrangements.
Thursday, January 7: Nursery classes – The children of designated key workers who have no alternative childcare will return, with nurseries making contact with families whose children may require access to nursery for other reasons.
Existing transport arrangements will be in place from January 7.
The council will continue with free school meal payments for families during the extended holiday period and the week of remote learning.
Tony McDade, executive director for education, said: “This has been a difficult year and I want to thank our schools and nurseries staff for their magnificent response to changing arrangements and conditions.
“I also want to thank our pupils and their parents and carers for their own understanding and resilience.
“We are letting people know about these latest changes at the earliest opportunity, including contacting parents and carers directly.
“I appreciate everyone’s understanding .”
The full details of school return, including the qualification criteria for children of key workers, can be found on the council’s website.
