A north-east education boss has admitted the council is “not getting everything right the first time round” after children were forced to huddle outside in a storm.
Aberdeenshire Council’s education and children’s services committee met to discuss the recent reopening of schools.
Much of the discussion revolved around the “Herculean effort” of teachers to support children’s return to schools and how safety can be maintained.
However North Kincardine councillor Alison Evison questioned Laurence Findlay, director of education and children’s services, on the recent incident at Mackie Academy.
Children at the Stonehaven school were left drenched on Tuesday as Storm Francis swept the area – and returned to afternoon lessons soaking wet.
The council said there had been insufficient space within the school for pupils to take their breaks indoors and maintain social distancing.
Mackie Academy pupils forced outside in storm due to Covid-19 restrictions
In the meeting, Ms Evison said the children, who were reported to have sheltered under trees, said they had been left to feel “really vulnerable”.
Mr Findlay responded: “I think it is fair to say everyone is learning at a hundred miles per hour during this pandemic, and we’re not getting everything right the first time round.
“As I’ve said to headteachers, we will make mistakes but let’s discuss them and learn from them.”
He added that reviews were ongoing into the Mackie Academy incident, and risk assessments were also planned into ventilation systems.
Concerns were raised during the meeting on how, as winter approaches, heating systems will work given as windows are meant to remain open.
Mr Findlay added: “Despite some weather-related closures and some disruption as well as the closure of Peterhead Central, the return to school has gone largely well.
“Clearly there remains considerable anxieties among staff and young people and parents, as we learn to live around this virus and do what we can to support and alleviate fears.”
Various councillors took the meeting as a chance to thank the teaching and support staff who have ensured the return to school has been, for many children, calm.
Councillor Ann Simpson thanked the “tremendous” work of education psychologists to support children and families – and Victoria Harper described the efforts of teachers as “Herculean”.
Members also discussed potential routes for sourcing additional funding to support families who are struggling financially in the region.
