Aberdeen City Council announces plans for the re-opening of schools

12 June 2020

Aberdeen City Council has today (Friday 12 June) outlined how schools will reopen when the new term begins in August.

The Council’s Education Service has published its Local Delivery Phasing Plan for the Re-opening of Schools which details the work staff are undertaking to make schools and classes safe and how the curriculum will work once doors re-open on 11 August.

The Plan is in response to the First Minister’s announcement that schools will reopen for the new academic year and In common with all Scottish local authorities, Aberdeen City Council is empowered to take a local and individual-school based approach to designing and implementing plans based on Scottish Government and Public Health Scotland guidelines.

Included with the Plan are outlines on how schools will manage in-school and at-home ‘blended’ learning through reduced class sizes, static class groups, alternate learning rotas and also details how hygiene and well-being will be maintained both via learning and via practical measures such as enhanced cleaning, one way systems and physical distancing.

Councillor John Wheeler, Education Operational Delivery Convener, said: “It’s very important that we provide pupils, parents and carers with a clear roadmap to re-opening our schools at the earliest opportunity and the Local Delivery Phasing Plan provides as much clarity as possible at this initial stage.

“The Plan reflects the fact no two schools are the same and so assessments of each site are being undertaken so that the appropriate physical distancing and other safety measures are in place for each school.

“The curriculum will also have a focus on health and wellbeing initially and we will look to prepare pupils in advance as much as possible through virtual tours and other innovations.

“The Plan is comprehensive and covers our anticipated approaches to Early Learning and Childcare, Primary and Secondary education and for pupils with additional support needs as well as practical issues such as transport, mealtimes, parent drop-off and pick up points.

“As we progress, we will work in consultation with parents, carers and other stakeholder groups and I would urge anyone with an interest to read the Plan or the summary FAQs on our website”.

The Plan will be kept under review to ensure that it takes account of any updated guidance. Parents will also be able to find out more in the next parent newsletter edition.