Swinney promises investment to help pupils hit by lockdown
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The Scottish Government has said it will invest heavily in education over the next two years to counteract the effect of lockdown.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney announced today that schools will return full-time in August if Scotland continues to make progress on suppressing coronavirus.
He stated that the move comes following significant progress in reducing incidence rates of the virus, putting Scotland on a more positive trajectory than previously expected.
Mr Swinney said: "Since May, because of the efforts of ordinary people to stay at home, we have seen Scotland make significant progress.
"There are now only around 2000 infectious people in Scotland – a reduction of around 90% since May.
"There has been a sustained downward trend in COVID-19 deaths since the end of April 20-26, and intensive care cases now stand at a fraction of what they were.
"If we stay on track, if we all continue to do what is right, and if we can further suppress this terrible virus, then the government believes that we should prepare for children to be able to return to school full-time from August.
"A return to full-time schooling would enhance the life chances of our children and young people and start to reverse any damaging impacts of recent months."
A new sub-group of the COVID-19 Advisory Group will monitor progress and provide further advice to Ministers shortly.
The Education Recovery Group will also meet over the summer to oversee next steps.
In the meantime, local authorities such as Moray Council have been told they should continue their work in planning for 'blended learning' in case the schools are unable to go back full-time.
Mr Swinney added: "I must emphasise the importance of Scotland staying on track if we are to make it a reality.
"We must continue to ensure the safety of pupils, teachers and staff by engaging in such contingency planning, and that is why Her Majesty’s Inspectors of Education will continue with their scrutiny of the plans when the latest versions are submitted by local authorities tomorrow.
"Even with a return to full time education, it is imperative that we increase levels of digital inclusion, which is why we have already committed to a huge digital boost through the investment of £30 million to provide laptops and connectivity solutions for disadvantaged children and young people.
"This will include £25 million of funding to enable a roll out of digital devices to school pupils to enable them to study online.
"Finally, while we want to support the wellbeing of all our children and young people, we know lockdown has been particularly difficult for pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds. Reducing the poverty-related attainment gap is a defining mission for this government."
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