‘Transition’ activities for pupils due to start primary or secondary school in Argyll and Bute in August will be carried out online, the local authority has confirmed.
No children in the area will return to the classroom until the planned date of August 11, when a ‘blended approach’ is due to be implemented to allow them to return.
Neighbouring West Dunbartonshire Council had previously announced that pupils due to start P1 or S1 in August would return to school for a short period this month.
Another council, East Renfrewshire, has also said that pupils at the same stages will return on a rota basis from next Monday, June 15.
A spokesperson for Argyll and Bute Council said: “Under the direction of the Scottish Government, children and young people will return to schools and ELC [early learning and childcare] settings from August 11 with a mix of school and home learning (blended model of learning).
“Within Argyll and Bute there is a well-established transition programme for pre-5 children and P7s. The programme at each stage is built up over the school year with arranged visits for specific events, shared projects and opportunities for visit to be made.
“To enhance this our transition focus for June is currently based around vulnerable children/young people, pre-5/P1 and P7/S1.
“The main focus will be on emotional wellbeing and is being delivered with online activities and virtual meetings taking place.”
Argyll and Bute Council’s business continuity committee heard in May that the council was working on the basis of pupils returning to school in August.
A statement from West Dunbartonshire Council, published on its website on May 25, said: “Pupils set to start Primary 1 in the new term and those moving from P7 to secondary school as well as those who need additional support will be welcomed back to schools in June for a short period before the traditional summer holidays.
“Parent representatives will be consulted and their feedback reflected in the development of the new model which will involve alternating attendance between different groups of pupils to maintain social distancing.
“In addition, lunch, breaks and start and finish times will be staggered allowing children to arrive and leave safely from school.”
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