Falkirk schoolkids heading back part-time after summer

Pupils in Falkirk will not return to the classroom full-time until almost two weeks into the new term.

Falkirk Council said there will be a "phased return'' during the first two weeks of term from August 12-21.

All pupils will return full-time from August 24, the authority's emergency executive agreed at a meeting on Tuesday.

The Scottish Government aims to have children back in school full-time from August 11 and hopes to make a final decision by July 30, with blended learning remaining a contingency plan if Covid-19 is not sufficiently suppressed.

Councillor Cecil Meiklejohn, chairman of Falkirk Council's emergency executive, said: "Re-opening our schools fully is one of our highest priorities in our response to the Covid-19 situation.

"We're grateful to parents, carers and families for their patience as we follow the progress of the national recovery plans in Scotland.

"We know it has been a tough time for everyone. However, returning to a degree of normality is really important and this is a significant step forward.''

The council agreed that all early learning establishments will re-open from August 12.

Hear the latest news on Clyde 1 on FM, DAB, smart speaker or the Rayo app.