Face-to-face education our 'number one priority', say Moray's SNP council administration

Moray’s SNP council administration has emphasised that face-to-face education is the number one priority for schools re-opening in August.

The Chair of Children & Young People’s Services, Sonya Warren (Buckie, SNP), says that the clear aim is to maximise the amount of time children can spend in schools while maintaining social distancing rules.

Cllr Warren also says the complexity of the task facing education officers should not be underestimated with the situation being different in every school, depending on pupil numbers and the building space.

Cllr Warren said: "We are absolutely clear that blended education should only be in place for the minimum time possible and we will maximise the face to face learning we can deliver within social distancing rules.

"It is vital that we have the best quality of education possible under these circumstances.

"Our headteachers, their school management teams and education officers are working at pace to ensure we have a comprehensive recovery plan for our children returning to school on August 12.

"In the coming weeks it is also vital that we have the flexibility to respond rapidly as more and more becomes known about Covid-19, which will influence decisions on Covid-19 restrictions.

"National Guidance can change very quickly as more and more information becomes available.

"Health and safety for everyone remains a huge consideration along with the delivery of face to face learning. "

Cllr Warren continued: "The complexity of preparing our schools and co-ordinating the more than 1000 staff involved in delivering education in Moray should not be underestimated.

"It involves extensive planning for staffing arrangements, major changes to building layouts and signage and significant work changes to building cleaning and catering.

"In addition, there are challenges for both the council and the transport providers we work with around school transport plans.

"We are working to get these plans completed as quickly as possible but we also need everyone in Moray to do their bit by following the rules and advice.

"By doing that it will help to ensure the maximum suppression of the virus and support us to get our education system closer to normal as quickly as possible."

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